In a heartwarming act of medical dedication, a team of doctors and health workers in Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi district defied all odds and walked 14 km on foot to reach and treat a 78-year-old ailing patient stranded due to flash floods and landslides, reported Mint. The patient, suffering from an urgent urological condition, was stuck in Barad village in Thunag tehsil, an area completely cut off from road access due to heavy rains.
This extraordinary feat by the Mandi doctors, battling extreme weather and tough terrain, has garnered admiration across the state and highlighted the commitment of frontline medical workers in times of natural disaster.
A 14-km Trek for One Patient
According to reports, the elderly patient had been experiencing severe discomfort due to a blocked Foley catheter, a medical device commonly used in cases of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). With access to healthcare completely severed, local residents contacted the Thunag Community Health Centre, pleading for immediate medical intervention.
Led by Dr Abhishek, a team of health workers decided to respond without delay. With no vehicles able to pass through the landslide-affected roads, the team packed essential medical equipment and set off on foot. After a challenging 14-km uphill trek, the team reached the remote village and successfully replaced the patient’s catheter, bringing him much-needed relief.
Speaking to local media, officials said the medical team had to navigate slippery slopes, broken roads, and gushing streams to reach the patient, putting their own safety at risk.
Himachal’s Health Heroes in Action
The selfless act by the Mandi doctors is not a one-off incident. As torrential rains continue to batter Himachal Pradesh, especially in areas like Thunag, Janjehli, and Barot, health authorities have launched a full-scale emergency medical response.
More than 24 dedicated medical teams have been deployed in Mandi district alone, with 10 each operating in Thunag and Janjehli blocks. Their primary focus is to reach vulnerable populations, including the elderly, children, pregnant women, and patients with chronic illnesses.
18,000+ Checked, 5,000+ Medicated
Despite blocked roads, broken bridges, and communication breakdowns, the Himachal Pradesh health department has already provided medical check-ups to over 18,000 people in flood-affected areas. Additionally, essential medicines have been distributed to more than 5,000 people, according to an official statement.
Preventive steps have also been taken to curb water-borne diseases. Over 30,000 chlorine tablets have been delivered door-to-door in remote areas to ensure clean drinking water amid the flood crisis.
Safeguarding Pregnant Women
Recognizing the added risk to expectant mothers, the health department has worked proactively to relocate pregnant women who are due for delivery in July. Women from the most affected areas have been shifted to higher medical centres like Regional Hospital Mandi and Nerchowk Medical College. This step is aimed at ensuring safe deliveries and avoiding complications due to inaccessibility.
Mental and Emotional Health Support
The trauma caused by floods, disconnection from the outside world, and the fear of further destruction has taken a psychological toll on many residents. Understanding this, health officials have also deployed mental health support teams to provide emotional and psychological assistance.
These teams are focusing on community outreach and one-on-one counseling, especially for those who have lost homes, livestock, or loved ones during the ongoing monsoon crisis.
Road Ahead
While the weather forecast remains grim and restoration of roads and bridges is still underway, the determination shown by doctors in Mandi sets an inspiring example. Their 14 km trek to save one life is a reminder of the critical role healthcare workers play — not just in hospitals, but in the very heart of our communities.
As Himachal Pradesh continues to grapple with nature’s fury, stories like these shine a light on the spirit of service that keeps hope alive in the remotest corners of the state.
Photo Credit: Live Mint
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