ARMY Partners with OBI in its medical mission

In one of its medical missions so far, Operation Blessing India had an unusual partner helping them - The Indian army.

In one of its medical missions so far, Operation Blessing India had an unusual partner helping them - The Indian army.

The village Kachai, the venue of the camp is located in the hills of Ukhrul at a height of 3000 above sea level. Ukhrul district is bordered by Myanmar, Chandel District, Imphal east district, Seanpati district and the state of Nagaland. This hilly terrain varies in height from 913 meter to 3114 meter above sea level. Because of its geographical complexities, this village has been left out of the development scope of every government that has been elected in the state. The people of this district, comprise of Tangkhul Nagas in majority, however a small percentage of Kukis , Nepalese and other Non-tribal people also live here. The Tangkhuls are fair in complexion and akin to the Mongolians in appearance.

Years of neglect by the government strengthened the resolve of Tangkhuls to work harder. People here are extremely enterprising and have survived for several years with negligible government intervention. Medical facilities in this district were literally non-existent. The tribals accepted ill health as their fate, since the only medical service within their reach was at a far distance and expensive for these poor farmers and small time workers.

Traveling to this district was a tricky affair and a difficult one too. Therefore the OBI team requested the Indian Army to come along with them to provide medical care for people living in the remote hills of Ukrul. Visit to some of the villages proved to be a grueling task. Where there used to be some kind of road, the tar had gone completely and was replaced by huge craters. Some parts of the road from Kachai village to Ukhrul town are sharply inclined at a precarious angle of 80 degree and these had become more difficult due to heavy rains in the hills. But the skilled drivers could steer the team safely through dangerous curves.

Though it was only about 50 km it took the team three hours of driving to reach the village Kachai.

The villagers were informed beforehand, and they were all eagerly awaiting the medical team. Big smiles greeted the OBI and the army at the villages. Doctors, nurses, paramedics and an Army contingent of 20 uniformed personnel including a Medical officer was a sight of joy to them.

As the medical camp was set, people lined up in queues. Soon the doctor’s consultations started. Lab test were done and free medicines were given to those who needed medicines. Everyone was counseled on Health, Hygiene and preventive measures for diseases. People from the many neighboring villages also came though some had to walk 10-12 kilometers to reach this camp.

One of those blessed by the camp shared her story. Threti a 28 year old woman was married to a helper in a transport company. Her husband would always travel because of his work. When he would be away from home, sometimes for days together at a stretch, Threti had to manage all by herself. On one such occasion, their one year old son fell sick. It was a week already and there was no improvement in the boy. Threti herself was suffering form a bad throat infection too. She started to panic.

But to her relief the OBI and Army had arrived right in her village. She felt as if God had sent them for her. She registered herself and got herself treated by the Army Doctor. Medicines were given to both the mother and son. The doctor assured her that both of them would recover completely. She was also advised on how to maintain good health for the baby and herself. She was overwhelmed when she said “I never expected that a team would come all the way up here to help me in my difficulty, Thank you Operation Blessing. You really care for us.”

The Army people were also touched by the care and concern of OBI. Medical officer Capt. Mohit said “It is a privilege for me to be a part of the team to help these people in the remote Hills of Ukhrul. Operation Blessing is doing a wonderful job of reaching out to people even in these difficult terrains”

OBI provided medical services to over 600 people in medical camps in the remote hilly villages. Arrangements had also been made to follow-up for these people at the Ukhrul Mission Hospital.

Forgetting the needs of the people is not some God ever does. He hears the desperate cries of the needy and sends help to them in different ways. OBI witnesses this time every time it sets a medical camp.