THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The auto drivers’ fraternity at Pettah which has been carrying needy patients free to the Regional Cancer Centre (RCC) has extended its services to those coming to many other government hospitals in the city. The patients are now being taken to the Medical College, General Hospital and Regional Institute of Ophthalmology and Ayurveda College. What started as a 50-member volunteer group at Pallimukku, Pettah has now come down to 22. “Charity on a day to day basis requires commitment. Since the existing dedicated members completed three years two months ago, we plan to buy an ambulance if we find a strong sponsor,” said L. Ravi Kumar, a member autodriver.
The fraternity was started by Suresh Kumar M. of Kannamoola who bought a new autorickshaw on his return from the middle-east. His sister lost her battle to breast cancer and the interactions he had with cancer patients led to the formation of the group. Their service was being coordinated by Pettah Janamaithry police station. How is works is that needy patients who arrive at Pettah railway station should alert either the station master or local police station. “The auto driver takes the photo copy of hospital records for confirmation. The service is only for those who cannot afford transport. Two autorickshaws are on standby to commute patients,” she added.
Drivers here say that between one and five patients use the facility every day. Additionally, now the auto drivers have come up with a new medical assistance scheme for their members. “Auto drivers will have to contribute Rs 20 everyday. If any of their family members incur hospital expenses they will be given upto '15,000,” he added.
