Jamia Cooperative Bank launches free ambulance service, Delhi Minister attends
In a step toward improving emergency healthcare access in Okhla, Ravinder Singh (Indraj), Cabinet Minister for Cooperative, NCT of Delhi, on Wednesday afternoon flagged off “Humanity First,” a fleet of free and affordable ambulances launched by Jamia Cooperative Bank (JCB). The launch took place at the bank’s Sarai Jullena branch in the presence of a large gathering at Zakir Bagh.
Addressing the audience, Minister Ravinder Singh praised the bank’s community-oriented initiatives and lauded the efforts of JCB Chairman MQH Beg, an alumnus of Jamia Millia Islamia and a well-known social worker. “The work being done by Jamia Cooperative Bank is commendable and should serve as a model for other cooperative banks across Delhi,” the Minister said. “When your ambulances reach patients on time and save lives, people remember you as their saviours.”
Speaking to the OT MQH Beg explained that the initiative was born out of the pressing need to assist local residents who struggle to transport sick or elderly family members through the narrow lanes of Okhla.
“Many people have no option but to carry patients on motorcycles or rickshaws,” he said. “Right now, we are launching two ambulances, and we plan to increase the number soon. These vehicles will help people in congested colonies reach nearby hospitals safely. We are charging only nominal rates Rs 200 and Rs 100 to prevent misuse of the service.”
The “Humanity First” project, according to a statement issued by the bank, became possible due to the cooperative spirit instilled by its founder, late Mirza Faridul Hasan Beg, a noted social reformer and community leader. Established in 1995, Jamia Cooperative Bank Ltd has since grown into a trusted financial institution with eight operational branches in South Delhi. The bank aims to empower individuals often neglected by mainstream and nationalised banks, support small-scale enterprises, and promote the cooperative ethos for sustainable economic growth.
Beg said the “Humanity First” ambulance initiative draws inspiration from the United Nations’ declaration of 2025 as the International Year of Cooperatives, which the Indian government has also endorsed to strengthen the cooperative movement nationwide.
The project was launched following a request from Jamia National Foundation, which had highlighted the transportation challenges faced by critically ill patients in Jamia Nagar, said JCB. Responding swiftly, Jamia Cooperative Bank donated two ambulances to the Foundation. These ambulances are owned by the bank but operated and managed by the Foundation to ensure efficient service delivery, said JCB.
Besides transporting critical patients to hospitals, the “Humanity First” fleet will also assist in shifting deceased persons from hospitals to their homes and further to graveyards or cremation grounds for final rites. Initially, the service will cater to Jamia National Foundation trustees, donors, contributors, JCB board members, shareholders, and account holders. However, Beg said the service will soon be expanded to the general public at affordable rates within a 7-km radius.
Beg is known for his philanthropic activities. During the COVID-19 pandemic, while many stayed indoors out of fear, Beg stepped forward to serve humanity. “We distributed free oxygen to those in desperate need and helped transport bodies to cremation grounds and graveyards when even family members were afraid of infection,” he said.
With initiatives like “Humanity First,” JCB continues to uphold its founding vision to serve the people, empower the underprivileged, and build a stronger, more compassionate community through cooperative action.
