Man transports over 6,500 people to hospitals by motorcycle
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Karimul Haque of West Bengal, India, has transported over 6,500 patients to hospitals by motorcycle over the past 28 years.
Witnessing his mother’s death due to a lack of ambulance access in 1995 motivated Haque to convert his motorcycle into an ambulance serving impoverished communities. He initially worked as a tea plantation worker, saving money to buy the vehicle and later learned first aid skills from doctors to better assist patients.
Haque regularly travels 40 to 70 kilometers to reach medical centers in Malbazar, Siliguri, and Jalpaiguri, funding the fuel costs from his small salary. He also established a basic telemedicine clinic with his sons, offering services like blood sugar tests and blood pressure checks.
In 2017, the Indian government recognized his contributions with a Padma Shri award, and locals call him “The Ambulance Brother.” Now 61 years old, Haque plans to build a health center and his sons are joining him in providing emergency transport, ensuring the service continues after he is gone.
