Medziphema man converts car into ‘free ambulance’

Atono Tsükrü Kense 
Kohima | May 24

The crisis and fear induced by the ongoing second wave of COVID-19 has become a grim reminder of how vulnerable humans are. However, it has also brought some of the best empathetic sides of people. 

One such example is that of 42-year-old John Bendang from Medziphema who, braving the odds hurled against him, has volunteered to transport sick and COVID-19 patients in his private car to Dimapur. He is currently serving at Common Service Centre (CSC), Medziphema.

Speaking to The Morung Express, Bendang narrated how an incident triggered him to volunteer to undertake this risky job of transporting sick patients. 

“Few days back, when I was going somewhere along with my friends we saw some people by the roadside waiting for vehicles to go to the hospital in Dimapur. After almost four hours, when we returned back, to my surprise they were still there in the same spot waiting,” said Bendang.

After seeing them still waiting for passing vehicles, Bendang said he immediately asked his companions to alight from the car, and then he took them to the Hospital, waited and dropped them to their respective homes.

That incident, he said, saddened him and also made him question, “If there is a problem in getting vehicles even during the day, what will be the condition at night?” Then and there, Bendang resolved to take it upon himself to help people in need, particularly sick patients who need to get to the hospital, free of cost.

Since he started this voluntary work, he has transported 11 patients, out of which nine were reportedly COVID-19 positive. On an average, he said he makes 2-3 trips a day, and on days when there are no calls, he would wait for the patients and drop them back to their homes.

Beating odds with strong resolution

But this resolution was not without resistance as he was reprimanded and discouraged by family and others alike. Bendang said, his family discouraged him initially taking into the consideration the risks involved, endangering his wife and kid and the entire family. However, as he convinced them, they eventually accepted his decision. His wife and daughter are currently staying with her parents.

It was also learnt that the colony leaders were not too pleased when they learnt what he was doing, and tried to dissuade him from taking this risky work warning him that “if anything happens everything will be your fault.”

“I tried to convince them that I was taking all the necessary precautions,” said Bendang while pointing out that there is a huge misconception among the people about the virus and added that, “there will always be resistance and also we cannot change what people think.” 

Taking utmost care and precautions

Bendang said he is taking utmost care and precautions during and after transporting of the patients. He washes and sanitises his car after every trip made to the hospital and stays in isolation at the common center, where he works as it has been temporarily shut down due to the lockdown.

“Since my house is nearby the Center, my mom cooks and drop my food in a particular place where I can collect and keep back in the same where she collects it after my meal,” said Bendang. “My family is helping and sacrificing for me so much,” he added.

A sense of fulfilment

Despite the resistance, the risk involved, and staying in isolation without any physical contact with his wife and daughter, this man is full of joy and happiness to what he has volunteered to do.

“I feel contentment and fulfilment, and I am happier because of this. I try to put on my best while helping while taking utmost care and precautions and being extra careful than before,” Bendang said.

“I am so glad that I can help others in need with the least that I have. This work has brought me joy and satisfaction,” said Bendang cheerfully.

In a post in social media platforms, Bendang said “please keep me busy with your needy calls” and anyone in need of transportation have been asked to contact him at #7085387405.