India

The Rotary Club of Fairfield-Suisun (District 5160, California) recently partnered with the Rotary Club of Amritsar Premier (District 3070, India) to launch a life-saving Trauma Ambulance Service for rural communities near the India–Pakistan border in Punjab, India. 

The ambulance is serving the Chabhal region, a rural town located about 12 miles from Amritsar, surrounded by nearly 100 villages and supporting a population of over 500,000 people. The area experiences heavy traffic from commuters and pilgrims, and unfortunately frequent highway accidents occur. Until now, the region had no dedicated trauma ambulance service, often resulting in delays in emergency care and avoidable loss of life. 

 

The Project

To address this urgent need, the Rotary Club of Fairfield-Suisun funded the purchase of a fully equipped trauma ambulance, which will be stationed along the highway to provide 24/7 emergency response for accident victims and patients needing immediate transport to hospitals. 

The ambulance is equipped with:

• Medical stretcher

• Oxygen cylinders and oxygen supply unit

• First-aid emergency equipment

• Rapid patient transport capability

The total project investment was approximately USD $10,000, covering the purchase of the ambulance vehicle and installation of necessary medical equipment. 

Sustainable Partnership

This international Rotary collaboration ensures long-term sustainability:

• Rotary Club of Fairfield-Suisun (USA) funded the purchase of the ambulance.

• Rotary Club of Amritsar Premier (India) is responsible for day-to-day operations, including driver salary, insurance, and maintenance.

The ambulance is expected to serve the community for 10–15 years, providing timely medical assistance when every minute can make the difference between life and death. 

 

Impact on the Community

This initiative will:

• Provide immediate trauma response for highway accidents

• Deliver first aid and oxygen support at the accident site

• Ensure faster transport to nearby hospitals

• Improve emergency care access for over half a million rural residents

The project reflects Rotary’s mission of Service Above Self, demonstrating how collaboration between Rotary clubs across the world can create lasting humanitarian impact.

 

A Model for Other Rotary Clubs

This project shows how international Rotary partnerships can address critical healthcare gaps in rural areas. Similar initiatives could be replicated in many underserved regions where access to emergency transportation can save countless lives.

 

Contact for More Information

Randeep Arora
International Service Chair
Rotary Club of Fairfield-Suisun
Rotary District 5160