The ambulance service would benefit thousands of people in the landlocked region during this coronavirus crisis. This idea of a floating ambulance came into the mind of a houseboat owner in Srinagar after he was tested positive for coronavirus last year.
Patloo said, “Considering the situation at the hospitals and homes due to rising coronavirus cases, I have set up this facility for people. I got a number of phone calls for assistance and I provided them proper help as per their requirement. Presently the ambulance is full with main equipment including first aid, stretcher, wheelchair, BP set, and PPE kits.”
He further added, “This ambulance has siren and speaker facilities which are being used for announcements aimed to make people aware regarding wearing masks and other important things. I tried my best to make this ambulance friendly for people and within two or three days oxygen facility will also be available.”
Residents believe that more such ambulance services should start to fulfill the need for medical services in the area. Another Shikara owner said, “The ambulance service is a must, not only at Dal Lake but at other nearby lakes too. We need a minimum of 10 such more ambulances as Kashmir has been affected by the second wave of coronavirus.”
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In the last 24 hours, Jammu and Kashmir has reported 4352 fresh covid positive cases with its worst single-day death of about 65 covid patients. JandK has logged 2847 deaths, of which 1596 were reported in the Kashmir region and 1251 in Jammu.