Off-road ambulance makes first major rescue in Edamalakkudy, tribal woman delivers baby safely
The successful delivery marks the first major operation of the newly deployed off-road ambulance service
The successful delivery marks the first major operation of the newly deployed off-road ambulance service
The successful delivery marks the first major operation of the newly deployed off-road ambulance service
Munnar: Health workers in Edamalakudy, a cluster of remote tribal settlements deep inside the forest, heaved a sigh of relief after ensuring the safe delivery of a woman who went into labour early Wednesday. The newly introduced ambulance in the hamlet proved crucial, helping 26-year-old Sivashakthi of the Sheddukudy settlement reach the hospital in time. She gave birth to a baby girl at Adimali Taluk Hospital on Thursday.
Sivashakthi began experiencing labour pains around 2 am on Wednesday, nearly two weeks ahead of her due date. Alerted by her relative, health staff rushed to her home and transported her to the Family Health Centre (FHC) at Societykudy using the off-road ambulance. There she received preliminary treatment from Medical Officer Dr Sakhil Raveendran, Dr S D Ayyappadas of the mobile medical unit (Idukki), Dr Ashish Mohankumar, Superintendent of Peermade Taluk Hospital, Junior Health Inspector Sunil Kumar, and Nursing Officer Vemkiesh.
Following this, she was shifted to Adimali Taluk Hospital in the same ambulance. After a detailed examination by Dr Soli, she delivered a healthy baby girl at 12.30 pm on Thursday.
The successful delivery marks the first major operation of the newly deployed off-road ambulance service — a critical lifeline for residents of Edamalakudy, where navigating the rugged terrain has long been a challenge.
Ambulance service for remote settlements
The modern ambulance was handed over to the Family Health Centre at Edamalakudy by Crown Plaza Hotel (KGA Group), Kochi. A native of Societykudy, the settlement that serves as the panchayat headquarters, has been appointed as its driver. The hotel management will cover the driver’s wages, fuel, and maintenance of the vehicle.
The primary objective of the new ambulance is to reach all settlements in the panchayat with road access and transport patients to hospitals in Munnar, Adimali, and surrounding areas. The ambulance under the FHC here had been non-operational for months due to lack of maintenance, leaving residents of Idamalakkudi struggling to transport patients to hospitals.
At a launch event held at Societykudy, Crown Plaza Senior Manager Prasad Samuel and Director Board Member KC Eapen handed over the ambulance to Medical Officer Dr Sakhil Raveendran.