We always debate on the economic condition of our country, but nobody ever thinks about the medical resources or medical conditions, which are an essential part to discuss.
No doubt, the resources which are available in our nation are devastating. There are many remote areas where people cannot reach a normal hospital.
In the second wave, we all are experienced how difficult it was to get the proper resources for a covid patient. There were long rows of oxygen cylinders for their loved ones.
Usually, we don’t discuss this necessary condition of our system. But Students and alumni of IIT Bombay understood these conditions during Covid times and took initial steps to start a 24×7 hours ambulance for serving patients.
How does it start?
It started during the second wave of Covid in Mumbai when the nation faced a severe coronavirus crisis. There was a long wait for the ambulance for the patients and resultant death.
So they started an all-time service for reaching hospitals for patients on time. Approx 12% of deaths happen due to late arrivals of ambulances.
They began with 10 lakh INR funding is now 7 crore INR.
How is it beneficial?
HelpNow ambulances are well sanitized and equipped with proper ventilation. It reaches within 15 to 20 across Mumbai. It has a helpline number 8899889952.
It has a vast network available to patients, healthcare workers, hospitals, testing labs, and Government bodies. They are servicing in Bengaluru, Delhi, and Pune.
Founders – HelpNow
HelpNow was started by 3 IITians, Aditya Makkar, Shikar Agarwal, and Venkatesh Amrutwar, in 2017. Its headquarter is in Mumbai, Maharastra. Its total funding is $ 150 k.
Wes Schwalje, Walid Aradi, Y Combinator, Tahseen Consulting, Soma Capital are investors in HelpNow. Y Combinator is a lead investor in this Company.
They are providing free service to Mumbai police. Other services like Air ambulances, Inter-city Ambulances, Train Ambulances, Neonatal Ambulance, ICU, etc.
Read More: How Pandemic redefine the Travelling Culture around the World
How are they serving?
They have a large network of private ambulances in Mumbai, and they keep an eye on their network. In the beginning, they had fewer ambulances, but they had 13 ambulances on the road after some time.
Now they are serving in metro cities with a helpline number 8899889952.
They have a minimum price and are available 24×7 hours in their ambulances bed facility with properly sanitized equipment and ventilation.
HelpNow Future Plans
According to the team of HelpNow is, they want to make this ambulance free of cost for the public by 2024. They want to expand it all over India.
So everyone can avail service. They are requesting the MHRD pass rule for students entrepreneurs.
Conclusion
Many startups were starting during the pandemic, but this start is unique and a work by which they are serving help to those who are unreachable to get these types of services.
There are many places in India where people do not have proper medical services resources. Due to the unaware facts of medical services, people are facing a crisis of medical resources.
We have to appreciate these kinds of startups and inspire these kinds of steps of these students. And request the Government to give some motivational aid to these students.
