Cart-Like Mobile Ambulance Aims To Improve Healthcare In Rural India
The Ambupod costs one-fifth of what a full-scale ambulance would.
Lavanian Dorairaj's three-wheeled creation may look like a planetary transporter right out of an HG Wells science-fiction. But it is not.
The Ambupod, as it is called, is a mobile ambulance that can also double up as a clinic and a tele-medicine centre. Now, Dorairaj is eyeing funding to make his prototype a reality and bring “quality healthcare” to rural India.
“The motor less three-wheeler took four years to make and we're looking for funds to reach at least 50 Indian villages first,” Dorairaj told BloombergQuint on the sidelines of the Global Entrepreneurship Summit in Hyderabad where the Ambupod is being showcased.
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There are two advantages of the Ambupod over a traditional full-scale ambulance, according to Dorairaj. First, it is a narrow track vehicle meaning it can be driven on very small pathways especially in rural areas where a full-scale ambulance might not reach. "In emergency cases it can also be driven on footpaths and pavements if needed," he said. The second is its cost effectiveness.
Since the Ambupod is self contained, it can be hooked to any vehicle like a car, motorcyle, auto rickshaw and even a pack of dogs, Dorairaj said. “You can replace the wheels with sledges and dogs can pull this in snowy areas."
He added that they are already working on a second model which will be larger, lighter and faster. It will also be completely solar powered. However, "it won't be as beautiful as this one", he quipped.