In the remote areas of Naswadi, women face severe challenges when it comes to accessing medical care. The roads leading to three villages in the Dungar area are in poor condition. During the four months of the monsoon season, residents endure significant hardships. Recently, the family of a pregnant woman needed to get her to the hospital urgently. However, they faced a dilemma because the ambulance service, known as 108, could not reach the village due to the bad roads.
The situation was dire as the family tried to call for help. Although the ambulance was stationed four kilometres away, the poor road conditions made it impossible for them to reach. In an attempt to transport the woman, they arranged for a private jeep. Unfortunately, the jeep also struggled on the uneven path and could not go further. The family had no choice but to carry the woman down a slope and place her in a makeshift stretcher.
This incident is not an isolated case. In October 2024, a tragic event occurred when another pregnant woman died while being transported in a similar manner. On October 20, another woman had to be carried in this way, and on November 3, yet another woman could not reach the hospital and had to give birth at home. These incidents highlight a recurring issue in the region: the lack of proper roads.
Local health officials acknowledge the problem. Bharatbhai Chouhan, the District Health Officer, stated that the lack of road access means that ambulances cannot reach the villages. He emphasized that if pregnant women do not receive timely assistance, their lives could be in danger.
Local residents share their frustrations. Dadhubhai Dungarabhel, a young man from the area, said that in summer, private vehicles can reach the village, but during the monsoon, the roads become muddy and unusable. He mentioned that politicians often make promises during elections but forget about those promises once they are in office.
The ongoing situation in Naswadi raises serious concerns about the health and safety of pregnant women in the area. The lack of infrastructure not only affects healthcare access but also reflects broader issues of development and support for rural communities. Local authorities must take action to improve road conditions and ensure that residents can access essential services without fear or delay. Without significant changes, the people of Naswadi will continue to face these unnecessary challenges, risking lives and health in the process.
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