Broken Boat Ambulance Leaves Dhubri Patient Stranded

Guwahati: Siriya Begum, 60, fell critically ill in Fakirganj. Her family called for the government-run 108 boat ambulance to reach the Dhubri Medical College and Hospital. They hit a wall. The call receiver informed them the vessel operated by GVK EMRI was out of service.

The family had to find private transport. Locals claim the boat has sat idle for two years. The vessel is the primary lifeline for people living across the Brahmaputra who rely on waterways to reach doctors. The breakdown leaves thousands in the riverine district vulnerable during medical emergencies.

Residents want answers. Local man Shoriful Islam Prodhani questioned the utility of the service: "If the government-provided emergency boat ambulance isn't operational when a patient needs it most, what is the purpose of having this facility at the ghat?"

The local administration remains silent. Officials have issued no statement regarding why the boat is broken, why it stayed out of service for so long, or when they plan to fix it. Locals are demanding immediate repairs to restore essential care access.