Malkangiri: In a rare gesture to extend help to people living in far flung areas, the Border Security Force on Wednesday launched a Boat Ambulance at its Janbai Camp in Malkangiri of Odisha. Conceived during the recent visit of DG BSF Pankaj Kumar Singh, the Boat Ambulance, said a BSF release, would be immensely useful for people in far flung areas, especially in Jantri and Panasput, who can have access to medical aid in shortest possible time. This boat ambulance is equipped with an oxygen support system and emergency medications along with trained medical staff.

Sanjay Kumar Singh, DIG, BSF Malkangiri honoured the event along with officials of State Administration & Medical Officers and launched the Boat Ambulance in presence of a large crowd, gathered near Gurupriya Bridge, that would dedicatedly serve the need of medical exigencies of inhabitants living in remote locations of Swabhimaan Anchal. 

After discussions with DG, modalities of the Boat Ambulance was discussed with R S Bhati, IPS, ADG BSF who issued necessary directions in this regard.  Satish Chandra Budakoti, IG Ftr BSF Odisha on his visit to Swabhimaan Anchal ahead of Republic Day carried out pre-launch inspection of Boat Ambulance. With the combined effort of BSF and State Administration, the boat ambulance is all set to start it’s voyage from today.

Swabhimaan Anchal, the erstwhile cut off area, was created when the Balimela dam came into being in 1977 which isolated 151 villages from the mainland. After four decades, the turning point came in 2018 when Gurupriya Bridge was built under the heavy protection of Border Security Force troops, making it feasible for the security forces & state administration to venture into Maoist Bastion with a vision of development in the region. 

“Today, it is a pride moment to mention that the tricolour flutters in Border Security Force Camps ahead of Gurupriya Bridge ensuring safety, security and development in the region. Now, people have enhanced trust over SFs and the State Administration. To strengthen it further, the boat ambulance launched today shall be beneficial for about 30000 inhabitants, specifically for the villagers living on either bank of Balimela reservoir and across the reservoir axis extending from GP Jantri in the North to Chitrakonda in the South,” said an official.

People can call for boat ambulance & BSF would provide them prompt medicare and also evacuating the injured/sick individual to the nearest PHC/CHC available in the vicinity. Further they would be sent to DHH Malkangiri for special treatment, if needed. /BI/