Kashmir’s Dal Lake gets a shikara turned ‘floating ambulance’ to heed to Covid-19 hit people in the region

In the Jammu and Kashmir Valley's legendary Dal Lake, a boat ambulance service with medical facilities has been initiated. Tariq Ahmad Patloo launched the service, which is intended to serve thousands of people in the landlocked area.

Patloo tested positive for Covid-19 in August of last year. Due to the extreme indifference and stigma, he faced during his rehabilitation, he decided to launch the water ambulance service so that other people do not to have to face his hardship after testing positive for Covid-19. Patloo, a boatman himself, converted his shikara into a water ambulance earlier this year.

He told the media that he received a number of phone calls requesting help, and how he provided them the assistance they needed. He further explained that his 'floating ambulance' was stocked with essential health supplies such as first aid, stretcher, wheelchair, BP package and PPE kits.

Patloo said that people are hesitant to come forward to transport virus patients to hospitals. He said that when he became infected, no one was willing to accompany him from his houseboat. However, the arrival of a floating ambulance, even though it is an extremely small initiative, is likely to change the situation.

As the second wave of Covid-19 gained traction, a surge in Covid-19 cases in Srinagar and surrounding areas was triggered by a surge in tourist visits during the spring season.

Although the said region has healthcare facilities, the terrain often creates impediments in accessing emergency assistance to the people, especially in remote areas that are difficult to access.

As per officials, Kashmir has reported its largest single-day increase of 5,443 Covid-19 cases on Friday, bringing the total number of infections to 2,06,954.