-Friday World 🌎 March 4, 2026
108 Ambulance Helpless – Could Not Enter Due to Bad Road The woman from Duktana Faliya in Kukarda village suddenly went into labour. Her family immediately called the 108 emergency service. However, the unpaved road leading to the village is so dilapidated and rocky that even the modern 108 ambulance could only reach the outskirts (padar) of the village. The driver refused to proceed further, citing the high risk of damage or getting stuck. As a result, the family had no choice but to create an emergency stretcher — a jholi — using wooden poles and cloth. With villagers helping, they lifted the pregnant woman on their shoulders and walked through the bumpy, uneven terrain for about 1 km to reach the waiting ambulance. The pain she endured and the anxiety of her family during this ordeal are unimaginable.
Viral Videos Spark Public Outrage on Social Media Videos and photos of this heart-wrenching scene quickly went viral on social media, triggering widespread anger and criticism. People are asking tough questions:
- Where does all the crores allocated for rural road development actually go?
- Why do politicians who come asking for votes during elections forget the suffering of these remote tribal villages?
- If any mishap had occurred while carrying her in the hammock, who would be held accountable?
These questions are not limited to online platforms — they echo loudly in the hearts and minds of the local people. Such incidents are not rare in the tribal belt of Chhota Udepur district; they have been a painful reality for years.
Under Treatment at Tankhala PHC — But Anger Remains High Fortunately, the woman was safely shifted via the 108 ambulance to Tankhala Primary Health Centre (PHC), where she is currently receiving medical care. However, this episode has ignited deep resentment and frustration among the villagers. Their single, united demand is clear: Build a proper paved road at the earliest! So that no pregnant woman or seriously ill person ever has to face such a life-threatening journey again.
Tribal Areas' Harsh Reality: Development Slogans vs Ground-Level Neglect Chhota Udepur is an important part of Gujarat's tribal belt, where thousands of villages still lack basic paved roads, reliable electricity, and proper healthcare access. Government schemes like PMGSY (Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana) and other road projects allocate billions of rupees on paper, but the actual impact on the ground remains invisible. In such remote areas, maternal and child health directly depends on accessible roads and emergency services. This hammock-carrying incident is just one visible example — similar tragedies happen repeatedly in these forgotten corners.
A Challenge Before Society and the Government This incident once again reminds everyone that true development cannot be measured only by shiny cities and highways — it must also be judged by the condition of the most remote villages. If the government genuinely believes in “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas” (Development for All), then providing paved roads, reliable ambulance access, and functional health centres in such areas is non-negotiable. Otherwise, even after 100 years of independence, the shameful tradition of carrying women in makeshift hammocks during emergencies will continue.
The time has come for the administration to wake up, for leaders to take real responsibility, and for genuine development to finally reach the last person — because no budget is more valuable than a human life!
Sajjadali Nayani ✍
Friday World 🌎 March 4, 2026
