Guwahati, May 12: Lions Club of Gauhati has come up with a great initiative at the right time by launching "free Covid auto ambulance service with oxygen cylinder" at Poddar Complex, Forest Gate, Narangi, Guwahati, on Wednesday.
Today, to add to the misery caused by shortage of oxygen cylinders and accessories, reaching the cylinders to the right place at the right time is the biggest challenge. At this juncture, Lions Club of Gauhati, a 52 year old NGO have lived up to their slogan "Wherever there is a NEED, there is a LION". The service project was inaugurated by the reputed radiologist and past District Governor of Lions Clubs International, Lion Dr. ML Agarwal in presence of club President Lion Kishore Saboo and other senior Lion members.
Project Chairman of Lion club Ajay Poddar who has given shape to this noble initiative informed that the purpose of starting this free auto-ambulance service is to ensure that Covid patients with symptoms and low oxygen levels can reach the hospital on time with necessary oxygen support available in the auto rickshaw during the transit. Auto-ambulance services of Lions Club of Gauhati can be availed free of cost to any reachable destination within the city and surroundings through a booking over telephone numbers 94356-88888 and 94350-35000 which will be available 24 X 7.
Many times the patients do not get oxygen at the right time when their oxygen levels are low, thus leading to severe problems. These auto-ambulances are equipped with sufficient quantities of oxygen cylinder, masks and sanitisers. The drivers of the auto-ambulance will be equipped with safety measures like PPE kit, mask, face shield, gloves etc. They will also sanitise their hands and the vehicles.
After a review of the response to these free auto-ambulance services, if needed, the number of auto-ambulance vehicles will be increased. It is noteworthy that the auto rickshaw drivers have voluntarily approached the club and offered their services for this noble cause. In response, Lions Club of Guwahati would recognise them with a reasonable honorarium.
At this hour of crisis, it is sad to note that there have been many cases of irresponsible people who are unreasonably profiteering taking advantage of the helplessness of those affected by the pandemic.
Apart from providing oxygen at the right time and right place, the efforts through this noble project would reduce the financial burden of the needy families in these hard times. Lion President Kishore Saboo said "We hope to reach out to the maximum numbers and provide maximum happiness at the right time".Auto-ambulance services have been launched in other parts of India viz; Delhi, Ahmedabad etc. In the city of Guwahati, free auto ambulance service for COVID patients is the first of its kind.
