It has an oxygen cylinder, life-saving medication, and space for two to accompany a patient
The coronavirus pandemic exposed the lack of health infrastructure in rural areas in dealing with emergencies, as many died from being unable to reach a hospital with oxygen-assisted beds.
Given the shortage of ‘108’ ambulances, with just one vehicle for a whole sales mandate, Munirathnam Travels owner N. Muniratnam Srinivasulu and friends designed an ambulance that can be pulled by an auto rickshaw.
The vehicle, known as the “Village Ambulances”, is equipped with an oxygen cylinder, life-saving medication, first aid kits and enough space for two people to accompany a patient. The Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) donated six oxygen bottles for these ambulances.
Using the resources available to them, the team built three cabins that resembled the interiors of an ambulance. Sponsored by MR Ramesh of MG Charities based in Bengaluru, three Village Ambulances were built in 15 days at a cost of ₹ 4 lakh. The first will be stationed at the Village Secretariat in Kalavapalli in the Beluguppa Mandal of Anantapur District.
“This village donated a truckload of rice to the Kurnool flood victims in 2009 when our friends tried to do relief work there. As a thank you, we will station a Village Ambulance there. The vehicle has no engine, but it can be pulled by an auto rickshaw, tractor or jeep, one of which is available in every village these days, ”said Srinivasulu.
The group is now ready to deploy such an ambulance over the next three days. They will build more once they are able to raise funds to meet the need.