After friend’s death, Hyderabad businessman steps up for sick in need of ride

HYDERABAD: A resident of Ameerpet has become an unlikely ‘carrier’ of Covid patients from home to doctor. After his friend’s death three months ago, Mahender Reddy decided he would help friends, family and even strangers.
“I have taken about 50 Covid positive people or those showing symptoms on my bike to the doctor. This is the least I can do to help at a time when people are struggling emotionally and financially,” he said.While the passing away of his close friend to the virus was the first blow Reddy faced, a positive test report for his wife and family members spurred him to action. “I went to a doctor in Banjara Hills to get my wife treated. It was he who gave us confidence that we could overcome the virus. I decided then I would get as many people as I could for the treatment they deserve,” Reddy said. What followed was multiple trips by Reddy, a hostel owner, to the doctor’s office. “I try to make them as comfortable as I can. I do believe that 99 per cent of the virus’ affect is because it plays on a person’s mind. The physical impact is only one per cent.”
When a doctor in his village, D Repaka, who was treating Covid patients tested positive, Reddy came to the rescue. He called the doctor to the city and picked him from Balanagar. Dr Saidulu said, “There is so much taboo associated with the virus. So, imagine how taken aback I was when Reddy came to pick me and on a two-wheeler of all things. Saidulu said, for the elderly, “I took back preventive medicines prescribed under homeopathy.”
About 100 people from village tested positive for the virus, once the doctor was treated. Reddy and Saidulu helped get them treated, ensuring medicines were taken from the city.