Srinagar 02 February (KNB): A hospital has been established in Machhal sector equipped with an ICU Ambulance by Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) along with Gauri Foundation (NGO), facilitated by the Indian Army.
As per officials, the newly established has proved to be a saviour for critical medical cases on three different occasions within a fortnight by conducting speedy evacuation to Kupwara over a distance of 60 km under extremely challenging road and weather conditions.
It was further said that the ambulance has been the difference between life and death for Gulam Mohammad Shah, aged 80 years, who suffered severe chest pain and breathlessness and was in critical condition. “He was safely evacuated despite very heavy snowfall in early January 2022 in the ICU Ambulance, with the assistance of the Indian Army, to Primary Health Centre, Kupwara, where his life was saved by the doctors,” said the officials.
Similarly, on 15 January, one year old Shakib Khan, suffering from breathing disorder, was saved by the ICU ambulance, after the infant was stabilized by the Army Medical Staff. In the third case, on 27 January, the ambulance responded to an SOS call from Village Sarpanch, Machhal that Hafiza Begum, age 48 years who is battling cardiac ailment for the last three years, has suffered a heart attack and required immediate medical attention to save her life. The ICU Ambulance despite nearly 18 inches of snow and zero visibility, evacuated Hafiza Begum to Kupwara, resulting in saving her precious life.
It further added that the efforts made by the IOC and Gauri Foundation in conjunction with the Indian Army is proving to be a “Ray of Hope” for the people of Machhal, a sentiment echoed by the locals as well. Habibullah Harry, Sarpanch of Machhal said “For the first time in history, Machhal has access to advanced medical care.” ”The people feel safe and secure during winters in their villages due to availability of the ICU Ambulance”, says Sher Mohd Khan, resident of Pushwari. The grateful mother of young Shakib further says, “The efforts by the Indian Army and NGO are like blessings from the “ALLAH”, which saved my son”. (KNB)