For the first time since Independence, a three-bedded health unit was opened at the Buxa hills near the historical Buxa fort of Alipurduar district on Saturday.

The unit will benefit around 3,000 people who dwell in 13 hilly hamlets of Buxa where they can receive primary treatment from now.

The Buxa hill is located under Kalchini Block of Alipurduar district, around 45km from the district headquarter.

Previously, the residents living in these hamlets had to travel around 40km to reach Latabari, the nearest block health centre or around 45km to reach the district hospital in Alipurduar for treatment.

On their way, they had to carry the patient in bamboo made stretchers for around five kilometres by foot through the hilly terrains to reach the zero point from where the patient would travel in an ambulance or other vehicle.

On Saturday, Surendra Kumar Meena, the district magistrate of Alipurduar, trekked to the Buxa Fort area with other administrative officials and inaugurated the health unit. “The unit has become functional from today (Sunday). It will cater to 13 villages and will have an ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activist) and two ANMs (Auxiliary Nursing Midwifery). In due course, the unit will be upgraded to a health centre,” said Meena.

At the unit, an air-conditioning machine has been installed along with oxygen cylinders. An inventory of medicines and some surgical items have also been put at the facility.

“There are three beds at the unit now. Pregnant ladies will get medical attention here. Also, it will serve as a vaccination centre, both for adults and children. The health department will be in touch with the health staff here and in case of emergency, an ambulance will be sent to the zero point immediately. Doctors from the district hospital will visit the unit once a week,” said a source.