Kashmir boatman converts shikara into floating ambulance to ferry COVID-19 patients

Tariq Ahmad Patloo, a houseboat owner in Dal has refurbished his shikara to use it as an ambulance for ferrying COVID-19 patients. He also raises awareness about COVID protocols and standard operating procedures

Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir): A local boatman in Jammu and Kashmir's Srinagar has converted his shikara—a type of wooden boat found on Dal Lake and other water bodies of Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir—into a floating ambulance to help COVID-19 infected patients wade through the waters and reach the hospital.

Talking to ETV Bharat, Patloo said the idea of converting the shikara into an ambulance came to him last year when he was infected with COVID-19 and no one came to his rescue.

"When I was infected last year, nobody came forward to help me... to escort me to the hospital. Once I recovered, I decided to reach out to helpless COVID-19 patients. Then, the idea of using my shikara as an ambulance struck," he said.

Patloo said his shikara-ambulance is fitted with a bed, stretcher and a first-aid box so that when the boat navigates through Dal, some medical assistance could be provided to the patient. He said his shikara has helped several patients in need.

As COVID-19 cases are surging even in the Valley and the shortage of oxygen is felt, Patloo said he will install an oxygen concentrator in his floating ambulance.