The Central Ayurvedic Research Institute (CARI), New Delhi, under the aegis of Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), Ministry of Ayush, strengthened its community health capabilities by inducting an ambulance sponsored by the National Backward Classes Finance and Development Corporation (NBCFDC) through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative.

The dignitaries presiding over the flag-off event of the new Ambulance included Prof. Vaidya Rabinarayan Acharya, Director General, CCRAS; Ms. Neelam Mudgal, AGM (Finance & CSR), NBCFDC; Dr. N. Srikanth, Deputy Director General, CCRAS; Dr A.K. Dwivedi, NCISM; Dr Pratap Makhija, OSD to DG CCRAS; Dr A.K Meena, A.D (chem.), CCRAS; Mr Anurag Agrawal, Consultant CCRAS; and Dr. Hemant Panigrahi, Institute In-Charge, CCRAS-CARI, New Delhi  amidst other senior officials and media representatives. The ambulance will enhance CCRAS-CARI New Delhi’s capacity for patient transfer and referrals, emergency response, research-linked patient logistics, and outreach health camp support, thereby improving CARI Delhi’s operational reach.

In their addresses, the dignitaries highlighted the critical role of reliable emergency transport in improving healthcare access for underserved communities.

Prof. Vaidya Rabinarayan Acharya, Director General, CCRAS praised the contribution of NBCFDC and support from Mr Rajan Sehgal, Managing Director, NBCFDC and Mr Ajit Kumar Samal, Chief General Manager (Finance) NBCFDC. He further outlined about the future roadmaps, including village adoption under CSR for comprehensive healthcare delivery and research purposes. Ms. Neelam Mudgal, AGM, NBCFDC reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive development through strategic CSR investments in social infrastructure. Dr. N. Srikanth, Deputy Director General, CCRAS, highlighted that the ambulance is a vital asset to bridge logistical gaps in research and outreach activities of the institute for patient care and public health. Dr. Hemant Panigrahi, Institute in charge, CCRAS-CARI, New Delhi, reaffirmed the Institute's commitment to maximizing the vehicle's optimal utilization and maintenance for patient welfare.

A formal vote of thanks was delivered by Dr Sakshi Sharma, R.O Ay, CCRAS-CARI New Delhi. The event concluded with a formal flag-off and a demonstration of the ambulance's features, marking its entry into public service.

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SR/GS