Amid an atmosphere of ‘hopelessness’ created by covid-19, few foundations and pharmaceutical companies in Srinagar are turning Good Samaritan: they are providing free services and medicine as well. Help Poor Voluntary Trust (HPVT), an NGO has announced a “detailed plan” to support Kashmir fight covid-19. Apart from providing free medical facilities to its registered patients, the foundation has decided to provide medical facilities on no-profit basis to general masses. “We have ensured the availability of ten ambulances including critical care ambulances in Kashmir. We have also opened a medical shop in Darish Kadal that is adjacent to Safa Kadal where medicines are provided at discounted as well as on no-profit basis. We will also make sure the availability of a diagnostic and collection lab at concession rates for general masses and free for the poor,” said Farooq Ahmad Bhat, founder, HPVT. “Taking into consideration the present circumstances, we have started dissemination of public safety tips through loudspeakers in various areas of Srinagar and outside. We are stressing on awareness about social distancing and other related issues,” he said While moving out from homes during the lockdown is a big challenge in itself, ‘24×7 Pharmacy’ at Solina, Srinagar has started an initiative of free delivery of medicines at doorsteps of people. “If people come out of homes for purchasing medicines, the gatherings would be huge and unsafe so the initiative is for the safety of all. We make sure that our delivery is totally safe. All our delivery executives carry hand sanitizers, masks and gloves wherever they go for service. It minimizes the risk of coronavirus spread,” said Junaid Bhat, owner 24*7 Pharmacy. “We have written to the administration as well about providing free medicines to the people living below poverty line. This time also if people call me for discounts, I do provide them because this is not time to think about profit. Human lives matter and we are providing a helping hand,” he said. The initiative by Farooq Ahmad and Junaid Bhat has been appreciated by the locals. “We saw panic buyers emptying shelves of stores and leaving almost nothing for others to buy. People like Junaid and Farooq have come as a ray of hope,” said Javaid Ahmad, a local.
