This Woman In Kerala Has Volunteered To Drive An Autorickshaw Ambulance Amid The COVID Crisis
Amid tales of death, destruction and despair, there are a few that warm our hearts. The coronavirus pandemic that is ravaging our country may have left us feeling hopeless and blue. But it has also highlighted the sense of community we share. People from all over the country are joining hands to help fight the rising COVID cases. While some are raising money and distributing food to the underprivileged, others are leaving the comfort of their homes to assist the frontline workers. These acts of selflessness are what give me hope and keep me going. Recently, a Kochi woman volunteered to drive an autorickshaw ambulance ferrying COVID 19 patients. What an incredible way to contribute to the ongoing battle against the coronavirus!
Before I tell you about this fearless woman, Sunitha R, let me give you a little background about Kochi’s latest initiative to cope with the surging crisis- the autorickshaw ambulance. It’s a project suggested by the Kochi corporation in association with German development agency Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit. These autorickshaws will have medical oxygen facility and urgent medical care equipment. It’s all set to start on Monday. And among the 18 volunteer drivers that were selected to ferry COVID 19 in these autorickshaw ambulances is 42-year-old Sunitha R. According to reports, she is possibly the only woman volunteer in all of Kerala!
Sunitha has been driving an autorickshaw in Kochi for 9 years now. She obtained her driver’s licence and chose to become an autorickshaw driver in 2005. Talking about this new venture she is embarking on to serve her city amid the COVID crisis she said, “I know this is not an easy job. But during this pandemic, this is the best service I can offer society which is reeling in despair. There are a lot of people risking their lives by opting to work during the pandemic. I decided to take up the opportunity to be an autorickshaw ambulance driver and I’m happy to join the battle against Covid.”
“There are a lot of people risking their lives by opting to work during the pandemic. I decided to take up the opportunity to be an autorickshaw ambulance driver & I’m happy to join the battle against #COVID19 ." says Sunitha. #Kerala#AmbulanceServices https://t.co/NORhq3hsnh
— Raam Das (@PRamdas_TNIE) May 23, 2021
Also Read: 61-Year-Old Kerala Woman Sells Her Goats And Contributes Towards The CM’s Relief Fund For COVID Aid
Sunitha has undergone training sessions given by doctors and medical experts. She has learned how to interact with COVID patients, how to wear a PPE kit and all the other safety protocols she has to follow as an autorickshaw ambulance driver. Her diligence and commitment have received widespread recognition and appreciation from the Mayor.
The services of the autorickshaw ambulance include ferrying COVID patients to the hospital, ensuring adequate medical services such as the oximeter and thermometer are present while they are on their way and even transporting medical staff to patients’ homes.
We are so proud of Sunitha for her selfless contribution. More power to her!
