Camp turns emergency labour room: Indo-Tibetan police helps tribal woman deliver baby in Chhattisgarh

RAIPUR: In one of Abujhmarh’s most remote forest pockets in Chhattisgarh’s insurgency-hit region, a paramilitary camp turned into an emergency labour room on Tuesday when personnel of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) helped a pregnant tribal woman deliver her baby safely after the ambulance could not reach a hospital 42 km away.The incident took place in Padmeta village, Lanka panchayat, in the Abujhmarh area of Orchha block in Narayanpur district — a region better known for its difficult terrain and insurgency than for access to healthcare.The tribal woman went into labour while being shifted in a community health centre (CHC) ambulance to Orchha, around 42 km from her village. However, due to the emergency and the tough route, it became clear she would not reach the CHC in time.Faced with this crisis, the CHC medical staff contacted the nearby ITBP camp at Dodimerka and requested urgent assistance.As soon as the message reached the camp, ITBP officers swung into action. They mobilised available medical staff and jawans, preparing the camp for an emergency delivery. A separate tent was quickly set up, a bed arranged for the woman, adequate lighting installed, hot water prepared, and other basic facilities readied to create a safe makeshift delivery space.When the ambulance arrived at Dodimerka with the woman, ITBP personnel and CHC medical and nursing staff conducted the delivery at the camp itself. The woman delivered safely, and both mother and newborn were reported stable. The successful delivery brought visible relief and joy to the camp, with personnel and health staff celebrating the outcome.Security forces posted in remote and conflict-affected areas like Abujhmarh have been crucial first responders and partners in public welfare and emergency healthcare for isolated tribal communities over the past two years.