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COVID-19 #IndiaFightsCorona: How To Cop An Auto Ambulance In A COVID-19 Emergency
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#IndiaFightsCorona: How To Cop An Auto Ambulance In A COVID-19 Emergency

The country is collectively witnessing a rise of auto ambulances in the nation as coronavirus' second wave rages on.

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By: Bayar Jain Published: May 10, 2021 03:19 PM IST

#IndiaFightsCorona: How To Cop An Auto Ambulance In A COVID-19 Emergency
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In another powerful portrayal of humanity, the country is collectively witnessing a rise of auto ambulances in the nation as coronavirus’ second wave rages on. By Bayar Jain

As positive COVID-19 cases rise in the country, hospitals and medical centres in the nation are crumbling under the pressure—most finding it difficult to cater to the upward surge in positive cases. Easing this burden are auto ambulances.

In short, auto ambulances are three wheelers synonymous to the country which come equipped with oxygen cylinders and a PPE-clad driver. These vehicles are meant to ease the burden on overworked hospital ambulances while also helping ferry patients to medical centres at affordable rates.

1. Mohammad Javed Khan, Bhopal

One of the first auto ambulances to come up in the country, Mohammad Javed Khan’s novel move garnered praise from world over for his free auto ambulance services. Al Jazeera reports that Khan transformed his rickshaw in Bhopal post seeing poverty-stricken families unable to book ambulances for coronavirus patients. The 34-year-old, as per the report, sold his wife’s jewellery to fund for the oxygen cylinders, oximeter, and other medical supplies that are now attached to his vehicle. Since then, Khan has reportedly been getting donations to continue his Samaritan efforts.

2. Dattatraya Sawant, Mumbai 

Seeing a spike in positive coronavirus cases in Mumbai, part time school teacher Dattatraya Sawant converted his auto into an ambulance, notes ANIComplete with oxygen and sanitation protocols, PPE-clad Sawant ferries patients to COVID-19 care centres and hospitals free of cost. Further, he extends this service for patients getting discharged from hospitals too.

3. Panah Foundation, Ahmedabad

Post helping migrants with documentation for availing government benefits, non-governmental organisation (NGO) Panah Foundation has now created a collective of 14 autos in Ahmedabad which double as ambulances for COVID-19 patients. Functioning entirely on donations, these auto ambulances also distribute ration kits, states a Facebook post by the foundation. Indian Express notes that the NGO hopes to introduce temporary COVID-19 care centres to eliminate queues and formalities famous to hospitals.

4. Manjunath Pujari, Belgaum

A long-time philanthropist, Belgaum’s Manjunath Pujari is no new name with respect to free auto ambulance services. Pujari’s service began in 2015, as reported by Reader’s Digest, when he decided to use his vehicle for late-night medical emergencies. His sustained efforts have been widely recognised and have even earned him a spot on the coveted Limca Book of World Records. 

5. Turn Your Concern Into Action (TYCIA) Foundation, Delhi

 

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A post shared by TYCIA Foundation (@tyciafoundation)

One of the few government-partnered initiatives of its kind, Turn Your Concern Into Action (TYCIA) Foundation has teamed up with the office of Delhi’s Rajya Sabha to run 10 fully sanitised auto ambulances. These round-the-clock functioning ambulances have been introduced for moderately ill COVID-19 patients who cannot cough up exorbitant prices for a medical vehicle. Going forward, the team hopes to 20 more autos to the fleet.

Editor’s Note: Keeping the current situation of the pandemic in mind, T+L India recommends every reader to stay safe, and take all government-regulated precautions in case travel at this time is absolutely necessary. Please follow our stories on #IndiaFightsCorona for all the latest travel guidelines.

Related: #IndiaFightsCorona: State-wise COVID-19 Helpline Numbers

Written By

Bayar Jain

Bayar Jain

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