Hazaribag: Residents of various villages under Churchu block of the district, who have been living under the long shadow of the herd of elephants which killed seven people last week, are worried as the lone 108 ambulance in the block, which is equipped with advanced life support systems, remains out of order for nearly a week.As the herd of five hovers between Purpania and Jhumra Hills in the neighbouring Bokaro district, locals on Wednesday demanded that the ambulance, which could very well be the differentiator between life and death for someone who is injured by the herd, be repaired at the earliest.Notably, nine people have been killed in elephant attacks across the district between Jan 8 and Feb 13 this year.The locals claimed that the ambulance, which can be availed for free, does not have a driver and an emergency medical technician (EMT) is present. “With elephants roaming near villages, any delay in medical response can cost lives in case of injuries,” Subodh Ram, a resident, said.With man-elephant conflicts in Jharkhand rising over the past couple of months, fatalities have mounted across the district. Concerned, chief minister Hemant Soren last week asked officials to ensure that those injured in jumbo attacks and the kin of the deceased are compensated within 12 days. However, the lack of a functional ambulance in a block prone to elephant attacks pointed to lack of basic infrastructure, locals said.Residents said that if a 108 call is diverted to another block, the delay in reaching remote villages could prove fatal. “In case of a fresh attack, who will take responsibility if timely medical aid is not available?” asked Ganesh Ram, another local.When contacted, the medical officer-in-charge of Churchu primary health centre, Dr Ashok Ram, said, “The ambulance is off the road due to a mechanical problem. However, one ambulance provided by the health department is in good condition and is providing services. In case of call on 108 service, the operator sends to despatch the ambulance from nearby available block. Still, the ambulance which is currently grounded will be repaired soon.”Nine people have been killed in elephant attacks across the district between Jan 8 and Feb 13 this year. Concerned, CM Hemant Soren last week asked officials to ensure that those injured in jumbo attacks and the kin of the deceased are compensated within 12 days
