A strict curfew is in force in Kashmir to curb clashes following the killing of terrorist Burhan Wani.
Highlights
- Many Kashmiris take leave from jobs to perform this vital function
- Doctors say shifting patients to hospitals is a tough, risky task
- Voluntary organisations have pitched in with free medicines, ambulances
With the number of injured in Kashmir clashes crossing 2,500, a chunk of the population has taken over the task of driving ambulances and ferrying people to hospitals. Many have taken leave from their jobs to perform this vital function.
One of them is Nisar Ahmad, a businessman who has turned ambulance driver.
Early in the morning, Mr Ahmed gets his call about the patients who need to be shifted.
It is not easy to move on the curfew-bound streets, but nothing is stopping him from doing his job.
"The entire focus is on the current situation... we have closed out shops and businesses for the last 14 days. I'm totally busy with the voluntary work," he said.
The doctors say it is a tough task, full of risks, to shift patients to hospitals. The ambulance operators say it doesn't matter whether they carry security personnel or civilians, they are there for a humanitarian cause.
"This time, in this turmoil, whatever be the number of ambulances, it is less. Patients are suffering. We have to cater the patients - not just the injured ones, but also those which need to be moved to hospital even for chemotherapy," said Dr Taseer, who is attached with a hospital.
Voluntary organisations like "Help poor voluntary trust" have also pitched in to help. The organization has seven ambulances and gets 50 calls a day on an average.
Volunteers are also providing for free medicines for those injured by pellet guns. "We give free medicines to all those injured in pellet guns, even if we have buy medicine from the market, we do it and give to the needy," said Zahoor Ahmad Bhat, another volunteer.