of mangroves, tigers & a medical boat

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A boat. looks ordinary from outside. Just like the boats that ferry tourists on river cruise in the Sundarban, bringing thousands each year to it's famous Tiger Reserve. Not like the huge ones used by the West Bengal Tourism. But the smaller ones which are more efficient.

I am planning to buy one.

and then, I am going to convert the interior of this boat into a medical unit. Not a very sophisticated one. It will have only the basic gears and facilities of a primary health center.

why?

while working at Cyclone hit (Aila) Bali island and its neighborhood, I was shocked by the sheer access problem to the remote islands and villages. Villagers have no access to primary health care in some villages. In most of the cases, they have to travel a long way to nearest towns; either to a private doctor or to a Government run clinic ( which is either un-manned or ill equipped in most cases).

What if I can start a project that will run this boat; which is in effect a 'mobile medical unit'...

working 365 days...run and manned by locals...all we need is some one trained in nursing and basic first aid.

this is still an idea...

I know this thought needs refining, some fine tuning and lot of planning and preparations..It will not be easy. It will take lot of commitment in the beginning. But it is not impossible.

But I also know...that when this idea has come in my mind..I will do it.

I can not do it all on my own; because most part of the year I am in the mountains. If you think it's a stupid plan that's bound to fail, and I should forget about it; please let me know.

But if you feel otherwise, and feel like joining me or putting a word of advise in ear; you are most welcome.
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Adventure Mania
official website: www.adventuremania.com
Upcoming Trips blog: http://adventuremania-india.blogspot.com
Raja's personal blog:http://himalaya-raja.blogspot.com
Real Adventure Journeys Across Himalaya
Call Raja: +91 97487 61139
Optional Number :+91 92305 11139

Comments

Trish said…
Hey Raja, I think it's a great idea, sounds like it is the solution to the problem. Is it possble to link up with other agencies; government or voluntary (if there are any?)to help you really kick start the idea? often a partnership approach can be fruitful when trying to drive a project like this and can help with sourcing funding for capital funding. at this early satge do you have any idea of start up costs? as regards to trained medical staff, if they cannot be sourced locally at first maybe one of the many, international aid agencied can help in the short term. they could have a role in training local people.
Anyway, just a few ideas and thoughts from afar. I wish you the best of luck with it, everything starts somewhere and your dream is an admirable and worthwhile one. Go for it

Best wishes
Trish
August 31, 2009 at 7:39 AM
Trish said…
Hey Raja, I think it's a great idea, sounds like it is the solution to the problem. Is it possble to link up with other agencies; government or voluntary (if there are any?)to help you really kick start the idea? often a partnership approach can be fruitful when trying to drive a project like this and can help with sourcing funding for capital funding. at this early satge do you have any idea of start up costs? as regards to trained medical staff, if they cannot be sourced locally at first maybe one of the many, international aid agencied can help in the short term. they could have a role in training local people.
Anyway, just a few ideas and thoughts from afar. I wish you the best of luck with it, everything starts somewhere and your dream is an admirable and worthwhile one. Go for it

Best wishes
Trish
August 31, 2009 at 7:42 AM
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