Bastar Tribal Man Carried 10 km on Cot Due to Lack of Road, Ambulance Access
The stark absence of basic infrastructure in the interior pockets of Bastar, decades after independence, was laid bare once again at Porohidma in the Dantewada district of Bastar division. A critically ill tribal man had to be carried 10 kilometres on a cot because an ambulance could not reach the village due to the lack of a motorable road.
Patient's Condition Deteriorates Without Medical Access
The patient, identified as Muchaki Joga, had been unwell for nearly a week. As his condition deteriorated, family members attempted to call the state-run ambulance service. However, the vehicle had to stop well short of the village because there is no proper road leading to Porohidma.
Left with no other option, relatives and villagers designed a makeshift stretcher using a wooden cot and ropes. Taking turns, they carried Joga on their shoulders across rocky, uneven terrain and forest tracks for nearly 10 kilometres to reach the nearest accessible road point. Only from there could transport to a hospital be arranged.
Recurring Reality for Interior Bastar Residents
Residents say the ordeal was not an isolated incident but a recurring reality in the region. Sunil Sodhi, a local resident, alleged that despite repeated pleas, the village still lacks a proper road. "No motorable road has been built in our village till date. Whenever someone falls sick or a pregnant woman goes into labour and needs to be taken to a hospital, we have to carry them on a cot like this. We have cried ourselves hoarse pleading with the authorities, but nothing has changed," he told reporters.
While official narratives often highlight digital expansion and development outreach in Maoist-affected districts like Dantewada, locals claim that on many occasions, critical information about such infrastructure gaps does not reach the headquarters or lead to actionable solutions.
Official Response and Ongoing Challenges
In light of this latest incident, officials have stated they will inquire into the matter. However, the persistent lack of roads in interior Bastar continues to pose severe challenges for healthcare access and emergency response.
The situation underscores a broader issue of infrastructure development in remote tribal areas, where despite decades of independence, basic amenities like motorable roads remain elusive. This incident serves as a poignant reminder of the urgent need for tangible improvements in connectivity and medical access in regions like Bastar.
