108 pilot’s compassion saves abandoned baby in Indore:Tarun Patil ensured infant’s safety, arranged milk, clothes; stayed till doctors confirmed stable condition

In an incident that has touched hearts not just across Madhya Pradesh but the entire nation, a 108 ambulance pilot’s humanity and sense of duty saved the life of an abandoned newborn who was fighting for survival. The infant, barely 15 days old, was found abandoned in a field near Sanawad on October 19. Locals discovered the infant lying unattended and immediately informed the authorities. The baby was first taken to the Sanawad Health Centre for primary treatment and then referred to the Khargone District Hospital for further care. However, after nearly two weeks of treatment, doctors noticed a severe abscess on the baby’s head and warned that his condition could deteriorate rapidly without specialist medical attention. On November 4, they referred the infant to Maharaja Yeshwantrao Hospital (MYH), Indore, for advanced treatment. Six-hour journey without a break When the emergency referral was made, 108 ambulance pilot Tarun Dudhe Patil was assigned the case. Realising the critical condition of the infant, Patil began the six-hour journey from Khargone to Indore without taking a single break, ensuring the baby received constant monitoring throughout. Patil said he drove with only one thought on his mind – to reach Indore before it was too late. The child was in a delicate condition. I just kept thinking that every minute mattered. We maintained all safety protocols and coordinated with the MY Hospital team during the entire journey. he recalled. A father’s compassion Beyond his duty as an ambulance pilot, Patil’s compassion shone through in every gesture. Knowing the baby had no guardian, he arranged milk and clothes on the way to keep the infant warm and fed. On reaching MY Hospital, Patil did not leave until the baby was admitted safely and doctors confirmed that his condition had stabilised. The baby is cute and innocent. I don’t know who left him in such an abandoned state. We have also informed a local NGO in Indore to ensure proper care for the child. The doctors said the information has been shared with the Child Welfare Committee, which will take custody and ensure the baby’s safety. Safe in healing hands The newborn is now being treated in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of MY Hospital, under the supervision of a specialist team. Doctors have confirmed that the baby is in stable condition and responding to treatment and he is being shifted to MTH Hospital for surgery. Local officials and citizens have praised Patil’s extraordinary effort, calling it a testament to human empathy and public service. Such acts remind us that humanity still lives within our system. said one health department officer.