COVID-19: Bhopal Auto-Driver Turns Three-Wheeler Into Ambulance, A Free Of Cost Service

Bhopal: With many facing shortages of bed, oxygen and ambulances amid the devastating second wave of COVID- 19 pandemic, Javed Khan – an auto driver in Bhopal – has turned his three-wheeler into an ambulance-like vehicle and is providing the service free of cost. 

Mr Khan’s auto is equipped with necessary things like an oxygen cylinder, a PPE kit, sanitizer and an oximeter. 

Also Read: The Good That People Do: Indians Reach Out With Helping Hand As COVID Spirals

Speaking to ANI about his inspiration for doing this, Mr Khan said, 

I saw a lot of people on social media, Whatsapp and news channels that several people are forced to carry their relatives on the shoulder or pull them on carts due to unavailability of ambulances. That is when I thought I could do something for humanity.

He further said, 

I sold my wife’s gold necklace for Rs 5000 and bought an oxygen cylinder to turn this auto into an ambulance. I refuel the auto with my money. 

Talking about how he manages to procure oxygen when the whole country is facing an oxygen crisis, he said, 

There is a factory in Govindpura. We get oxygen refilled from there. It is a tedious task as we have to stand in the line for 4-5 hours. The cost of refilling the oxygen cylinders ranges from Rs 450-550.

Also Read: ‘Indian Strain’ Of Coronavirus Found In 17 Countries: WHO

Mr Khan has been providing this service for the last 15-20 days in Bhopal. 

It is completely free. I have shared my mobile number on social media platforms, it is 7999909494. Whoever is in trouble and is not able to get an ambulance can call me. I am ready to help people 24 hours, Mr Khan said.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

NDTV – Dettol Banega Swasth India campaign is an extension of the five-year-old Banega Swachh India initiative helmed by Campaign Ambassador Amitabh Bachchan. It aims to spread awareness about critical health issues facing the country. In wake of the current COVID-19 pandemic, the need for WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) is reaffirmed as handwashing is one of the ways to prevent Coronavirus infection and other diseases. The campaign highlights the importance of nutrition and healthcare for women and children to prevent maternal and child mortality, fight malnutrition, stunting, wasting, anaemia and disease prevention through vaccines. Importance of programmes like Public Distribution System (PDS), Mid-day Meal Scheme, POSHAN Abhiyan and the role of Aganwadis and ASHA workers are also covered. Only a Swachh or clean India where toilets are used and open defecation free (ODF) status achieved as part of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014, can eradicate diseases like diahorrea and become a Swasth or healthy India. The campaign will continue to cover issues like air pollution, waste management, plastic ban, manual scavenging and sanitation workers and menstrual hygiene.