Veer Bhadur Singh Punia
Grassroots innovator creating India's free ambulance network
In 2005, former truck driver Veer Bhadur Singh Punia launched Gurgaon Rescue – India's first free emergency ambulance service – using retrofitted vehicles and volunteer medics. This came after witnessing his sister die during a 4-hour wait for paid ambulance transport.
Operating in Haryana's Gurugram district, his fleet now includes:
| Vehicle Type | Specialization |
|---|---|
| Motorcycle ambulances | Reaching narrow alleys |
| School bus conversions | Mass casualty events |
Punia's 'No Questions Asked' policy provides free transport to all, funded through:
- Corporate CSR partnerships
- Crowdfunding campaigns
- Community donations
His model inspired the national 108 Emergency Service, reducing India's average ambulance response time from 50 minutes (2001) to 18 minutes (2021). Punia continues advocating for decentralized emergency systems through TEDx talks and grassroots workshops.
Literary Appearances
No literary records found
Cinematic Appearances
No cinematic records found