In a remote village called Indiganathha, a video recently went viral showing villagers assisting an elderly woman, Dundamma, in being carried to the hospital in a handmade doli (palanquin) after she fell ill. Dundamma, who resided with her son, Madegowda, faced sudden health complications on Thursday. As the area lacked access to any form of transport, the community came together to carry her through the forest trail to the Mahadeshwara Betta Primary Health Centre, where she was treated and is currently recovering.
This incident sheds light on the severe lack of basic infrastructure in the village. About two years ago, the district administration, in partnership with the Forest Department, introduced the Janamana Sarige service, which operated a few jeeps for emergency medical needs and transportation of essential goods. Unfortunately, the service was abruptly discontinued after a few months, despite repeated pleas from villagers for its reinstatement.
Frustrated by the government’s inaction, the residents had previously boycotted the Lok Sabha elections, demanding access to basic facilities like reliable transportation for medical emergencies. Although officials assured them of improvements, no tangible steps have been taken, leaving villagers to resort to unconventional methods like the doli to handle medical crises.
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