Cuttack auto driver gives free rides to patients to and from SCB Medical College & Hospital

In a city where daily commuting can be a financial strain, one man's selflessness is making a difference. Bishnu Patra, an auto-rickshaw driver from Cuttack, has taken it upon himself to provide free rides to patients and their attendants traveling to and from SCB Medical College and Hospital every Thursday.

With this self-sponsored and non-promoted initiative, he has not only eased the burden of many but has also become a source of inspiration across the city, drawing admiration from locals and beyond.

A Weekly Commitment to Service

Navigating the streets of Cuttack, Patra ferries patients and their families to the hospital at no cost, ensuring they receive timely medical attention without the burden of transportation expenses.

To make people aware of his service, he has put up posters on the front and back of his auto, making it easier for those in need to identify him.

Each Thursday, Patra helps more than 30 patients, making a tangible difference in their lives. "I have faced struggles in life, and I know how difficult it can be for those in need. This is my way of helping society," he said in an interaction with OTV.

A Pledge Born from Personal Hardship

In 2004, a severe road accident left him with a broken leg, requiring a long and painful recovery. Once he regained his mobility, he vowed to serve others in whatever way he could. Despite financial hardships, he remains dedicated to his cause, using his only source of income, his auto-rickshaw, to support both his family and his humanitarian efforts.

“His dedication is truly inspiring and helpful. Usually, autos charge a lot to ferry us from the hospital to the station or the bus stand. However, Patra’s selflessness is a boon for poor people like us,” said an SCBMCH patient.

Encouragement from Family and Community

While Patra's initiative is a personal mission, his family and neighbours wholeheartedly support him. “It is his will, and who are we to stop him? People have their own ways, and my husband does his part of social work by ferrying passengers at no cost every Thursday, which is very noble,” said Dolly Patra, wife of Bishnu Patra.