Srinagar, May 31: In a remarkable display of selflessness and quick thinking, Dr. Sameer Maqbool, a dental surgeon at the Primary Health Centre (PHC) Pohru, saved a child’s life by stepping into an unexpected role, leaving his stethoscope aside and trying his hand on the wheels.
The incident happened when the regular ambulance driver at the health facility reportedly fell ill, after which Dr. Maqbool did not hesitate to take the wheel himself, ensuring the critically ill child received timely medical attention.
The incident, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) unfolded early Tuesday morning this week when a distressed family arrived at PHC Pohru seeking urgent care for their child, experiencing distress.
The child’s condition, as per Dr. Maqbool, was rapidly deteriorating, necessitating immediate transfer to a specialized medical facility.
However, an unexpected hurdle arose—the regular ambulance driver was unable to perform his duties due to sudden illness. With no time to waste, Dr. Maqbool swiftly decided to drive the ambulance himself. Despite his primary role as a dental surgeon, he demonstrated exceptional courage and resourcefulness in the face of the emergency.
“I was in my chamber when I heard cries in the corridor and upon confirmation, I came to know a child with a fall history and vomiting needed immediate referral. The regular driver was unwell and was on IV line and without wasting any time, I drove the ambulance to a nearby specialised hospital”, he said.
He said that while navigating through challenging traffic conditions, he maintained his composure and focus, ensuring a safe and swift journey to the nearest advanced medical center.
He said upon their arrival to the specialised hospital, the paediatrician available started the treatment and thankfully, with the timely intervention, the child was stabilized and received the necessary treatment.
Speaking about the incident, Dr. Maqbool humbly remarked that had it been any other doctor, he too would have done the same thing, as the first priority is always to save the life.” In moments like these, every second counts. I did what any healthcare professional would do — prioritize the patient’s life above all else. I am just grateful that the child is now safe and recovering.”
Lauding the selfless act of Dr. Maqbool, Directorate of Health Services Kashmir, (DHSK) on its official twitter handle, wrote, “Dr. Sameer Maqbool, Dental Surgeon at PHC Pohru, went above and beyond the call of duty when a child needed urgent care. With the ambulance driver ill, he drove the ambulance himself to save a life”.
Dr. Mir Mushtaq, of DHS-K, in a post on X wrote, Dr. Sameer Maqbool, Dental Surgeon at PHC Pohru, went beyond the call of duty by driving an ambulance to save a child’s life when the regular driver was ill. His quick thinking and selflessness ensured the child received timely”.
In response to the tweet, secretary health and medical education J&K Syed Abid Rasheed Shah wrote, “Commendable job Dr Sameer”.
Meanwhile, the local community has lauded Dr. Maqbool’s extraordinary act of bravery and dedication. “Dr. Maqbool’s actions exemplify the true spirit of healthcare professionals who go beyond their call of duty to save lives. His heroism is an inspiration to us all,” said Ejaz Ahmad.
While Dr. Maqbool’s selfless act has also sparked a wave of appreciation and gratitude across social media, with many hailing him as a local hero, it has also raised the questions over the functioning of the system, questioning why there was no backup—(KNO)
