Thane: NGO Launches Free Mini Bike Ambulance To Aid Homeless And Ailing Beggars

Pukar Seva Pratishthan, a local NGO in Thane, has launched a free mini bike ambulance service to assist beggars and underprivileged individuals lying sick on the streets by transporting them to hospitals for further treatment.

A Fully Equipped Mini Bike Ambulance

“The mini bike ambulance is equipped with all the essential facilities of a regular ambulance. It has an oxygen stand, a shade over the stretcher, a first-aid box, and other necessary medical supplies,” said Hamraj Joshi, the founder of Pukar Seva Pratishthan, while speaking to FPJ.

Joshi explained that he has been a social worker for several years and sees this initiative as a humanitarian service and devotion to God. “Whenever we receive a call about an ailing person on the streets, we rush to the location. However, I currently have only one mini bike ambulance, which operates within a 10 to 15 km radius. It can easily navigate narrow lanes and congested areas, making it highly effective for emergency first aid,” he added.

An Urgent Appeal for Compassion

Joshi expressed concern that people often ignore those who are poor, helpless, and suffering from illnesses on the streets. He urged citizens not to turn a blind eye but instead to contact the NGO when they see someone in distress, potentially saving a life.

From Adversity to Service

Originally from Amravati, Joshi was abandoned by his parents at the age of 5 or 6 due to extreme poverty. He found shelter at an NGO, Ghar Ho To Aisa, where he studied until the fifth standard. He credits two teachers, Ravi Pendekar and Raju Daki, for supporting him during his time there.

At 18, Joshi left the shelter and started working as a vehicle trainer. A turning point in his life came when his friend Sandeep Ahire encouraged him to complete his 10th-grade education after recognizing his passion for helping the underprivileged. Inspired by his mentors, Joshi dedicated himself to social service.

He learned about the concept of a mini bike ambulance in Bengaluru and discovered that such ambulances were only manufactured in Delhi, Bengaluru, and Ahmedabad. In 2022, with the help of an NGO in Ahmedabad, he purchased his own bike ambulance.

Struggles and Challenges

Joshi mentioned that while many people express interest in joining his cause, few are willing to do the actual groundwork—such as cleaning, bathing, and transporting sick beggars to hospitals. He noted that some only seek publicity rather than genuine service.

How to Reach Pukar Seva Pratishthan

The NGO is active on Facebook, where its contact number (9867411070) is available. Joshi urged people to call or send photos and videos of sick beggars in need. The team promptly assesses the situation and arranges for necessary medical equipment, such as oxygen. Donations are also welcomed to support their humanitarian work.

Impact of the Mini Bike Ambulance

Since acquiring the mini bike ambulance in 2023, the NGO has rescued and treated approximately 30 to 35 sick, homeless individuals.

Local resident Alpa Rajesh Borkar shared an incident where she noticed a beggar lying paralyzed on the street for days. After learning about Pukar Seva Pratishthan, she contacted them, and they responded immediately.

Another case involved Bharat Bidare, a homeless man found in a dire condition on a Mulund footpath. Upon receiving a call, the NGO, along with the local police, provided him with medical assistance.

Recognition and Support

The Mulund police confirmed that they had received a call from the NGO about a sick man in need of urgent medical help. They responded swiftly, assessed the situation, and ensured he was taken to the Civil Hospital for treatment.

A doctor from the Civil Hospital praised Joshi’s efforts, noting that he provides first aid to homeless individuals suffering from malnutrition and skin infections before transporting them to hospitals.

Despite numerous challenges, Joshi finds immense fulfillment in his work. “When I see the smiles on the faces of the people I help, I feel that my job is done,” he said.

A Life-Saving Initiative

This bike ambulance service, the first of its kind in Thane, operates free of charge. Joshi shared that he receives around a dozen calls for help each week.

One of his most memorable rescues involved a 35-year-old man named Kallu Khan, who had migrated from Uttar Pradesh in search of work. When Joshi found him lying on the streets of Thane, his eyes were severely infected, emitting a foul odor. Joshi immediately provided first aid, cleaned his eyes, and admitted him to Kalwa Hospital before transferring him to Sion Hospital. Eventually, both of Khan’s eyes were treated successfully.

Joshi emphasized that before taking a patient to the hospital, he ensures they are clean and well-dressed. “If they appear unhygienic or infected, hospitals may refuse to admit them,” he explained.

His mission remains clear: to provide dignity, medical care, and a fighting chance for those who have been abandoned by society.