Daijiworld Media Network – Bantwal

Bantwal, Nov 12: In a commendable gesture of community service, a group of auto-rickshaw drivers has come together to provide a free ambulance service for the emergency healthcare needs of villagers in Bantwal taluk. The ambulance service has been launched by the Navodaya Auto-rickshaw Drivers and Owners Association of Badakabail in Kariyangala village, near Polali.

There are around 26 auto-rickshaws at Badakabail. Arrangements have been made to park the ambulance near the auto-rickshaw stand, and the auto-rickshaw drivers themselves will serve as ambulance drivers. The service will benefit residents of Kariyangala and Ammunje villages.

The vehicle was purchased at a cost of around Rs 10 lac, while the necessary ambulance equipment was installed in Mysuru at an additional cost of approximately Rs 2 lac. The entire amount was raised through small daily savings contributions collected from the auto-rickshaw drivers and owners. Villagers and donors also extended special financial assistance.

While transporting villagers in their auto-rickshaws for emergency medical services, the drivers had faced several difficulties. This prompted them to decide that an ambulance service was essential for the area.

Every month, Rs 100 is collected from each auto-rickshaw driver to support the underprivileged. The drivers and owners have collectively raised more than Rs 4 lac for various welfare activities.

Ambulance services were not readily available in the area whenever an emergency or medical need arose. On several occasions, villagers had to be rushed to hospitals in auto-rickshaws for emergency treatment. To address this problem, the auto-rickshaw drivers and owners came together, with the support of donors, purchased an ambulance and made it available for the benefit of the villagers.