Srinagar, Feb 2: Indian Oil Corporation alongwith Gauri Foundation (NGO), facilitated by Indian Army have donated an ICU Ambulance at Machhal, Kupwara.
A large number of villages in the UT of J&K are situated in remote and far-flung areas. One such area is Machhal Bowl (consists a total of nine villages).
Civil populace in Machhal Bowl is deprived of basic infrastructure like education and Medical facilities. In addition to the above, Machhal Bowl remains cut-off from the main stream for five to six month during winters due to heavy snowfall from Nov to Apr every year.
Within a fortnight of its establishment and the first heavy snowfall of the year in the area, the ICU Ambulance has been able to assist at least three critical patients by evacuating them to Public Health Centre, Kupwara approx 60 km from Machhal Bowl. The evacuees include Mr Gulam Mohammad Shah, age 80 yrs who suffered severe chest pain and breathlessness and was in critical condition, Mr Shakib Khan who was having breathing disorder and was unable to consume food / liquid diet and Hafiza Begum, age 48 yrs who is batting cardiac ailment for last three years, had suffered a heart attack and an immediate medical attention was required to save her life.
The efforts made by Indian Oil Corporation and Gauri Foundation (NGO) with assistance from Indian Army by placing an ICU Ambulance at Machhal Garrison has become a ‘Ray of Hope’ for the people of Machhal Bowl.