Maharashtra government launched 3 boat ambulances in order to serve 33 tribal villages that were nearly impossible to reach by road. The boat ambulances were supposed to be operating on the Narmada River, but for the last two months, the boats have been left unused.  The doctors have quit on their posts to join more productive postings that are under the Ayushman Bharat.

Over 200 km, 33 villages are situated in the hilly terrain. There is only one alternate route to the villages, and it is by a trek.

Dr. Sandeep Barje said: The 33 villages, spread over 200 km and are situated in a hilly terrain. The only alternative access to the villages, and its tribal population of 25,000 is a trek up its slopes. “Our salaries were low on the boat ambulance and working hours tedious. Salaries would also come late.” He resigned last year.

While working on the Narmada River, Dr. Barje earned Rs. 24,000 per month. But after he joined a Health and Wellness Centre, he is now earning Rs. 40,000.

Over 170 health and wellness centers are present in Nandurbar, this is a concept that was launched to upgrade all existing sub-centers and their existing services.

The District Health Officer of Nandurbar said: “If the boat ambulances are upgraded, we expect better services,”

Janubai Pawara a 55-year-old from the Bharad Village was bitten by a snake on January 4. They called the ambulance to come to their village but unfortunately there was no doctor present. So the villagers had to call help from their neighboring village who later on sent a private boat to pick the patient up and send him to Dhadgaon rural hospital.

Latika Rajput (NGO Narmada Bachao Andolan) said: “If the boat ambulance was still there, the delay could have been prevented.” Pawara did survive.

Back in 2003 and 2004, the European Commission introduced the first boat ambulance for the villages. After a couple of years, the Government of Maharashtra introduced two more. As of now, all the three posts for the doctors remain vacant. Officials from the government have admitted that the doctors are attracted by the higher salaries being offered by the Health and Wellness Centers.

Dr. Bodker: “We are trying to fill up the posts for boat ambulances. We have submitted a proposal to the deputy director in Nashik. The advertisement for fresh postings will be published once approval comes.”

District collector Mallinath Kalshetty said the funds would have made available if the doctors had the will to work on the Ambulance Boats.

The doctors were tasked to conduct regular screenings, checkups, offer treatments, and offer check-ups of pregnant women. Also, in case of an emergency, the doctors were instructed to bring patients who are needed in immediate treatments to be brought to the nearest hospital.

Every boat ambulance has its own doctor, navigator, nurse-midwifery, and a helper. But, three posts of the helpers are also vacant. With this navigator and the nurses could not help the patients who are in need by themselves.