Nongpoh, October 19: The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU), North Khasi Hills District Unit, on Monday launched two ambulances to strengthen emergency medical services for people living in the border areas of Ri Bhoi district.
One ambulance, a Bolero vehicle, was donated by former Umroi MLA Ngaitlang Dhar, while the second, an Eco vehicle, was purchased by the KSU North Khasi Hills District Unit using its own resources.
The Bolero ambulance will be stationed exclusively in the eastern border areas, while the Eco ambulance will serve nearby villages and, when required, other parts of Ri Bhoi district.
A special programme was organised to mark the launch, attended by Ngaitlang Dhar, Umroi MLA Damanbait Lamare, KSU North Khasi Hills District Unit president Ferdynald Kharkamni, KSU district unit secretary James Hitler Mawphiang, Mawbri Parish priest Fr Balestine Marbaniang, former Joint Director of Health Services Dr M. Bareh and Ri Bhoi District Synjuk ki Rangbah Shnong secretary P.B. Sylliang, among others.
Before the ambulances were formally launched, Fr Balestine Marbaniang offered prayers and sprinkled holy water to bless the vehicles and their future service to the public. Dhar cut the ribbon to inaugurate the donated Bolero ambulance, while Kharkamni inaugurated the Eco ambulance.
Addressing the gathering, Dhar said his contribution was driven not by wealth but by a desire to help people in need, particularly those facing medical emergencies.
He observed that ambulances donated to villages, clubs and organisations sometimes failed to provide the intended service beyond the initial enthusiasm surrounding their handover. He expressed hope that the ambulance donated to the KSU would make a meaningful difference to people living in the border areas.
Dhar also urged the union’s leaders to take proper care of the vehicle and ensure timely maintenance and repairs whenever necessary.
The two ambulances are expected to help residents access medical care more efficiently, particularly in remote border villages where transportation can be a major challenge during emergencies.
