In a significant Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative to improve healthcare access in flood-prone and remote riverine regions, NTPC Bongaigaon has flagged off three boat ambulances to serve char and riverine villages in Kokrajhar district bordering Dhubri district.
The initiative is designed to address the longstanding healthcare challenges faced by communities that become isolated during annual floods and adverse weather conditions.
The boat ambulances were inaugurated and flagged off by Shri Derhasat Basumatary, Executive Member for Health & Family Welfare, Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) and MCLA of Salakati Constituency, in the presence of Smt. Moon Moon Brahma, Executive Member for Urban Development, BTC and MCLA of Parbatjhora Constituency, Shri Nilu Brahma, Director of Health Services, BTC, senior officials of NTPC Bongaigaon, representatives of the District Health Department, healthcare personnel, and members of the local community.
Implemented under NTPC Bongaigaon’s CSR programme in collaboration with the BTC Government and the Directorate of Health Services, BTC, the project aims to ensure uninterrupted healthcare services for vulnerable populations residing in the riverine belts of Khutabagra and adjoining areas.
Supported through an investment of ₹20 lakh, the three boat ambulances are equipped with essential medicines and emergency medical facilities. Each vessel will be staffed by trained healthcare professionals, including medical personnel and Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs), enabling them to deliver primary healthcare services and emergency medical assistance directly to remote riverine communities.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Derhasat Basumatary appreciated NTPC Bongaigaon for introducing an innovative solution to one of the most pressing challenges faced by people living in flood-prone areas. He said the initiative would significantly improve access to healthcare, especially for pregnant women, children, senior citizens, and emergency patients when conventional transport becomes unavailable.
Smt. Moon Moon Brahma highlighted the importance of partnerships between public institutions and corporate organisations in enhancing the quality of life in rural and riverine communities. She commended NTPC Bongaigaon for its continued commitment to community welfare and social development across the Bodoland Territorial Region.
Shri Nilu Brahma, Director of Health Services, BTC, said the boat ambulances would function as mobile healthcare units carrying medicines, medical equipment, and trained health workers to remote villages. He noted that the initiative would strengthen public healthcare delivery by supporting immunisation programmes, maternal healthcare, and treatment of common illnesses in difficult-to-reach locations.
NTPC Bongaigaon officials reiterated that healthcare remains one of the company’s key CSR priorities. They said the project reflects NTPC’s commitment to ensuring that geographical barriers do not prevent communities from accessing essential medical services. The boat ambulances are expected to serve as a vital lifeline during floods while providing year-round healthcare support to remote riverine populations.
