UKHRUL: Ukhrul MLA Ram Muivah on Wednesday launched five advanced life-support ambulances and 500 solar-powered street lights under an Airports Authority of India (AAI) Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) project aimed at strengthening emergency healthcare and basic infrastructure in Ukhrul district.
The project was launched at the AAI community hall in Imphal. It was initiated by MLA Ram Muivah through AAI and is being implemented by Ukhrul Football Club (UFC) in association with North East Power Infra.
Speaking at the launch, MLA Muivah described the occasion as a “small red-letter day” for the people of Ukhrul and Manipur.
ALSO READ Coffee as a Sustainable Alternative to Poppy Cultivation in Manipur
Of the five ambulances, one will be stationed at Talui Primary Health Centre, one at Kamjong District Hospital and three at Ukhrul District Hospital, according to the MLA.
The 500 solar-powered street lights will be distributed among all 52 villages under the Ukhrul Assembly constituency, with priority given to remote villages.
Muivah said the ambulance initiative was taken after repeated requests from people in his constituency who faced difficulties arranging transportation during medical emergencies and for transporting deceased persons.
He said ambulance services can cost at least Rs 7,000 during normal times and rise to around Rs 15,000 during crises, particularly because of the long distances and difficult terrain in the region.
“Witnessing the difficulties and challenges faced by my community members, I felt compelled to try and provide ambulances. That is why I reached out to various agencies, including the AAI,” Muivah said.
On the solar street lights, Muivah said the initiative was prompted by his visits to remote border villages, including Khayang, Phungtha, Roni and Ronshak, where residents continue to face limited access to electricity.
He said elderly residents in some villages told him that they felt “blind after sunset” because of the lack of electricity.
Imphal Airport director Chipemmi Keishing said the sanctioned cost of the ambulance and solar street-light project is Rs 2.20 crore.
He said the availability of properly equipped ambulances could strengthen timely medical assistance and transportation of patients to appropriate healthcare facilities, particularly in emergency situations.
