Astride a two wheeler converted into a mobile ambulance, Dr  Syed Moinuddin Shabbir goes around tending to minor ailments and providing residents essentials like groceries and medicines.

The genial doctor visits 20 to 25 lanes every day and examines residents. He administers insulin shots to diabetics.  “Most of the medicines I supply are for blood pressure and diabetes,” says the doctor, who is also vice-principal of a paramedic college at Santosh Group of Institutions.  “There are diabetics with gangrene, who need a strong dose of antibiotics on a regular basis. The dressing also needs to  be changed.”

Trained by B.Pac as a Civic Leader, Shabbir says he’s been doing his bit since March 25.  He initially reached out to people in Shivajinagar. “I was born and brought up in Shivajinagar,” he says.

The doctor, who borrowed the scooter-turned-ambulance from the Santosh group, covers at least 125km every day. He has another two-wheeler for delivering groceries. He pays for the fuel and medicines from his pocket. The groceries he supplies are sponsored by organisations such as Rotary Bangalore Cantonment and Jain Youth Trust.

On house visits, he also spreads awareness on the symptoms of Covid-19 and the need to maintain hygiene and remain indoors. The doctor has also roped in Pulikeshinagar and Bharatinagar police stations to further his endeavor.  Patients in need of help or provisions/medicines contact one of the two stations, which alert Shabbir.