Guwahati, July 23: In the heart of deluged Sivasagar in eastern Assam, where floodwaters cut off the entire villages, a 34-year-old distressed Jina Begum was racing against time as she being an expectant mother, was in urgent need of critical care.
The resident of Napam Baruwati, Gelekey and wife of Akib Ahmed, was referred from the Kaloogaon Block Primary Health Centre (PHC) to the Sivasagar Civil Hospital located at Joysagar in the outskirt of the flooded town on July 22.
With all roads completely submerged and ordinary modes of transport rendered out of service by the sudden surge of floodwater, a tragedy seemed imminent. Fortunately for her, human-resolve proved stronger than the rising tides of water.
A senior district official in Sivasagar informed that a brave team from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) swung into action, partnering with the Kaloogaon block PHC medical team to make a path through the deluge. What began as a high-risk rescue effort, soon turned into a sacred journey of life. Halfway to the Civil Hospital inside the SDRF-escorted ambulance that was forcing its way through the gushing floodwater, Jina suddenly went into labour pain.
Displaying extraordinary composure and clinical skill under intense pressure, Community Health Officer Liza Moni Das from the Diksu Ayushman Arogya Mandir successfully helped Jine deliver a healthy baby girl.
The battle, however, was far from over.
With roads completely washed away and vehicular movement stalled, the SDRF personnel and dedicated healthcare workers refused to yield. In a remarkable display of courage, grit and compassion, they physically carried the newborn and the recovering mother through treacherous waterlogged road for several kilometres.
Thanks to their unwavering devotion, both the mother and the newborn were eventually admitted safe to the Sivasagar Civil Hospital, where they are currently under sound medical care and doing well.
