Reports of people carrying bodies of their loved-ones on their shoulder in lack of ambulance in urban cities are not new let alone rural areas. In such scenario, a 50-year-old, Karimul Haque, also known as the ‘Bike-Ambulance-Dada’ has taken an initiative to save as many lives as possible.
Haque operates a bike-ambulance service and ferries the sick to the nearby hospital. A tea estate worker from West Bengal, Haque’s bike ambulance has now become the only lifeline for 20 villages in and around Dhalabari. Apparently, he has become a ray of hope to many.
Haque has been providing ambulance service to more than 20 villages since 1998. Notably, the basic amenities like roads and electricity are missing in these villages. Besides, the nearest hospital is also 45 kilometres away.
It all started in 1995 when Haque knocked every door possible for help as his mother was in severe need of medication. However, all effort went in vein as he couldn’t find an ambulance. In lack of well-timed medical help, his mother died. This was the time, he decided to not let anyone else die in lack of ambulance.
His ambulance service also provides basic first aid with training from local doctors to villagers. Haque was awarded Padam Shri this year for his work.
