On World Heart Day, meet Delhi’s ambulance man
Life is unpredictable and even a single incident can change it. Himanshu Kalia, who provides free ambulance services in DelhiNCR, had his life altered by such an incident, 25 years ago. Since then Kalia’s initiatives have saved many hearts.
“My father met with an accident 25 years ago. We ran around, trying to get an ambulance to reach hospital on time but could not. I got an auto but the delay caused him to slip into a coma (he recovered later). That was the day that I decided to start an ambulance service and now, I own 17 ambulances. I have added one recently. I don’t want anyone to face the same tragedy that my family and I did,” says Kalia.
Not just free ambulance services, Kalia also supports a blood donor directory. “I have contacts of around 15 lakh voluntary blood donors across the country. In case of any incident, I reach out to them and provide assistance to the needy,” says Kalia.
His passion to initiate a free ambulance service was such that even during his wedding, he got an ambulance from his in-laws. “My father and I also get behind the wheels of an ambulance when the need arises. My wife has joined us, too. My mother who is in her late 60s is also learning to drive the ambulance,” says Kalia, who also takes the dead to crematoriums and performs last rites for unclaimed bodies.
I have contacts of around 15 lakh willing blood donors across the country. I own 17 ambulances. I don’t want anyone to face the tragedy that my family and I did. HIMANSHU KALIA DELHI RESIDENT