UADC allots ambulances for free service to Covid patients
Source: Chronicle News Service / R Lester Makang

Ukhrul, June 19 2021: To ease the strain of inadequate basic healthcare facilities amid the pandemic, the administration of Ukhrul Autonomous District Council (UADC) has allotted an ambulance vehicle each to the COVID-19 Awareness cum Enforcement Committees of Ukhrul and Phungyar to provide free transportation service to Covid patients in the two assembly constituencies.

Each of the vehicle assigned to ferry needy patients, is a 'Force Traveller' class with built-in basic life support (BLS) BSVl ABS certified by AIS125 B-Type with auto loading stretcher foldable legs.

UADC chairman Dr Yaronsho Ngalung formally handed over the keys of the vehicles to the two committees represented by AC Kachamthai for Ukhrul AC and SDO H Jain on behalf of Kamjong AC respectively, during a lowly-attended ceremony held at its Phungreitang office here on Saturday.

He said that the objective of allotting one ambulance each to the Covid committees of Ukhrul and Phungyar is to enable them to provide free ambulance service to Covid patients in their respective jurisdiction.

"This is to ensure needy patients avail the ambulance service free of any charges in this pandemic time and an MoU has been signed between Ukhrul ADC and the committees," Dr Ngalung said.

The act of handing over of the ambulances was also attended by Union Baptist Church (UBC) assistant pastor Luther Chamroy who sought the Almighty's hands in smooth functioning of the vehicles to save many precious lives.

It may be mentioned that the Ministry of Tribal Affairs & Hills Department procured the ambulances under the 15th Finance Commission of the ADCs and distributed to the district councils recently.

Chingai AC in Ukhrul district is yet to be provided with the same facility.

Later, UADC CEO Polly Makan handed over a copy each of the MoU to the committees' representatives in the presence of Dr Yaronsho Ngalung, Ukhrul CMO Dr Kapangring, Kamjong DSO Dr Mathanmi Hungyo, Pastor Luther Chamroy and other officials of the council.

According to terms and conditions of the MoU, allocation of the ambulances with built-in basic life support (BLS) BSVl ABS certified by AIS125 B-Type, has been done in view of the increasing Covid-19 infections and fatalities in Ukhrul district.

It said that all patients particularly Covid-19 cases within the specified areas will be allowed to avail the ambulance service free of cost, while stressing that under no circumstances, use of the vehicles would be allowed for any purpose other than medical emergencies related to the Covid-19 pandemic.

As per the agreement, expenses on fuel and engagement of suitable drivers including their remuneration/ honorarium would be borne by the respective committees.

It stated that drivers possessing valid driving license and having continuous driving experience should be given due weightage for engagement.

"The Committees are to ensure maximum care in maintaining the vehicles and also maintain a travel log of the vehicles and a registry of the number of patients transported during the allotment period," it continued, while calling for sharing of relevant information with the Chief Executive Officer, ADC, Ukhrul, on weekly basis.

Allotment of the UADC's ambulances to the said committees is tenable till the situation of the spread of the pandemic virus is contained or as per related advisory under Relief & State Disaster Management Department, Government of Manipur, or whichever is earlier.

"The Chief Executive Officer, ADC, Ukhrul, reserves the right to recall the vehicles at any time without assigning any reason (s)," it said.

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