Meet Mumbai Based School Teacher Who Drives Auto-Rickshaw, Ferries COVID Patients For Free

When the schools got shut down and online classes were also on hold during the second wave of COVID-19 in April, 47-year-old Dattatraya Sawant, who is also an auto-rickshaw driver, decided to utilise the time in helping in the fight against COVID-19.

So, he started a free 24x7 auto-rickshaw ambulance service for the people living in and around his area of residence.

Mr Sawant drives the auto-rickshaw by himself and provides a free ride to COVID-19 patients while taking all precautions like wearing a personal protective equipment (PPE) kit, sanitisation and others.

'People were finding it difficult to go to the hospital; they were not getting an ambulance on time. Also, ambulances were charging a high price. I thought I can use my auto for people in my area. I made some changes in my auto and started day and night service. I am happy about the decision I took,' Mr Sawant told NDTV.

He has provided free travel to over 70 patients so far which includes both COVID and non-COVID patients.

Mr Sawant said that he has decided to continue the free auto-rickshaw ambulance service for as long as the pandemic continues.