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Meghalaya Doctor Drove Ambulance To Take Pregnant Woman To Hospital, Wins Hearts For Her Act Of Kindness

Dr Balnamchi Sangma, an AYUSH doctor, working at Garobadha Primary Health Center (PHC) in South-West Garo Hills in Meghalaya was faced with a dilemma when she needed to shift her patient, a pregnant woman in labour to another hospital for delivery. The driver of PHC was on leave that day, and the employees of state ambulance service were on strike.

The situation was critical because the woman was about to give birth prior to her due date. She had refused to undergo sonography due to which it became difficult for the medical staff of PHC to determine the babys condition and the next course of action. The patient belonged to a low-income family and couldnt have afforded to arrange an ambulance or any other vehicle on own to drive to the hospital. It was imperative to take her to Maternity and Child Hospital (MCH) in another district called Tura to avoid any further health complications for the patient.

Without wasting any time, Dr Balnamchi Sangma decided to drive the ambulance herself. Accompanied by the patient, patients family and a staff member, this lady doctor got behind the wheel and drove about 40 km to MCH. The onlookers were caught by surprise and took out their mobile handsets to take pictures when they came across Dr Balnamchi Sangma driving an ambulance. After all, it was extremely uncommon to see a doctor or a woman on the steering wheel of an ambulance.

By the time Dr Balnamchi Sangma returned home after driving her patient safely to MCH, her noble act had gone viral on social media. Speaking to Momspresso, she said, I didnt expect at all that this incident will get this kind of public attention. I was simply doing my duty. I hold a valid driving licence and am used to driving my own four-wheeler around for personal errands and medical field visits. With no other drivers or any other help available, it was the most natural thing for me to do to ensure the patients safety. Shouldnt helping others be the inner instinct in every human?

Dr Balnamchi Sangma further told Momspresso that every doctor in her district strives hard to provide neo-natal support to pregnant women who mainly belong to the tribal communities and lack awareness regarding maternity care. In fact, the district has a record of 100% institutional delivery rate (medical facility-based births).

On the personal front, Dr Balnamchi Sangma loves travelling, doing community services and spending time with her seven-year-old daughter and husband who is also a healthcare professional.

We salute this lady doctor for going beyond the call of duty. We need more humanitarians like her.

Picture Courtesy: EastMojo

Know a great mom/dad who is doing amazing things? Have an interesting story that you think should feature on#WhatMumsAreTalkingAbout? Please write to smita.omar@momspresso.com. We would love to hear from you!

By - Smita Agrawal Omar

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