Fizala Khan
While most candidates for elections and seasoned politicians pitch for better roads, it is difficult to find them advocating for a progressive approach towards health care. A cardiac arrest or a stroke, for any Dal dweller, could most certainly result in life-threatening situations, if there is a delay in medical aid.
Tariq Ahmed Patloo (50), a Dal dweller and social activist, tested positive for coronavirus in early October. Following the regulated guidelines, he quarantined himself at his residence in Dal Lake.
Tariq’s health condition worsened with time as he, a diabetic patient fighting Covid, had to travel and cross the lake at night in order to reach for medical aid, which became a challenge as no Shikara rower or owner, would help him cross the distance to the embankment.
When it comes to medical emergencies, people lose valuable time in reaching necessary aid and getting the required treatment in time. Keeping the complexities of Kashmir’s landscape in mind, the easiest way of transportation for Dal dwellers is waterways.
A Social Boycott to Covid Positive
The Kashmiriyat spoke to Tariq Ahmed Patloo who said, “It was an endless cycle of traveling back and forth while fighting the virus. There is nothing that I could have done if my friend wouldn’t have offered me a ride, risking his own life. The doctors at the hospital would check my oxygen levels and would ask me to home quarantine myself.”
“I was walking through Ghat number 9, looking for a Shikara to help me reach back home, but no one came forward to my aid. They saw me and turned away. The pandemic made it difficult for all of us and I understand they wouldn’t have risked their own lives to help a Covid patient travel”.
“I was extremely sick. One rower saw me struggling and rushed to my aid, I was relieved to have received aid after half an hour. But the fact that I had no means of transportation in sickness and witnessing being boycotted by vendors and milkmen struck chords in my heart. I wanted to help the community and give back to all Dal dwellers like me, I did not want anyone else to face the struggles I did”.
Tariq spoke to expert committees for advice and after positive replies, he was on a quest to find probable funds and financial aid to help him build Kashmir’s first ‘boat ambulance’.
With help from a trust working in anonymity, he built a speed boat, enclosed on all ends, white and red in colour, all set for servicing 9000 families of Dal dwellers.
No Assistance from Anyone
“I want to provide all possible medical aid that can sustain the patient until better care can be provided with all equipment. From blood pressure gauges to an ECG monitor and defibrillator, all medical help must be at service, as in case of emergencies, these boat ambulances can effectively and quickly transport the patients that require urgent medical assistance,” Tariq Ahmed Patloo told The Kashmiriyat.
Tariq says that it is the first ‘boat ambulance’ to have a registered doctor on board along with a technician at all times.
“Without assistance from government, I can’t help the community and my people. I do not want this to be another show and tell piece or a failed attempt. We have no help from the government. The dockyard that was built in Dal stands as an epitome of how regularities do not look after the needs of people, it is a waste of financial aid and labour, absolutely of no use to us. I want people to reap the benefits from the boat ambulance,” said Tariq.
The boat ambulance will have a toll – free number, where people in need of aid can call the team and the medical help will reach to their convenience. With lack of funds, Tariq has managed to build one boat and is sorting government funds and aid, with their first boat being their prototype. With this boat ambulance, travel will become easy for all Dal dwellers and the boat can help doctors travel for COVID-19 tests, vaccines and regular check – ups if necessary.
Tariq plans on inaugurating the ‘boat ambulance’ by coming week and has planned on filing an application to the Divisional Commissioner for doctors to be on duty.