65 km in a rickshaw in 45 degree heat: Heart doctor who performed life-saving angioplasty says the rickshaw driver is the real hero for saving patient

A doctor who rescued a patient from a life-threatening emergency chose not to accept personal praise when the family expressed their gratitude. Cardiologist Dr. P. Kamath shared the experience online, describing how he had performed an urgent angioplasty on a patient he initially encountered in a distant rural village. After completing the procedure, he contacted the patient’s relatives to explain the treatment, presenting them with medical images and highlighting that the prompt diagnosis and rapid hospital transfer had been crucial in saving the patient’s life.

The family showered him with thanks, calling him a hero. Dr. Kamath humbly redirected their appreciation, pointing out that the real credit belonged to someone else. Their confusion soon turned to understanding when he indicated the rickshaw driver who had transported the patient.

This driver had courageously navigated nearly 65 kilometers under scorching heat, from a remote village to the hospital, because no ambulance or proper transport was available. His determination ensured the patient arrived in time for critical intervention. In cardiac emergencies, every minute matters, and a delay can mean irreversible loss of heart muscle. The driver’s quick thinking and selfless effort were decisive in preserving the patient’s life.

After performing an emergency angioplasty on a patient I had first seen in a remote rural location, I called his relatives to explain the procedure. I showed them the images and told them that it was a successful angioplasty and that the timely diagnosis and quick transfer to the…

— Dr P Kamath (@cardio73) October 10, 2025

Dr. Kamath reflected that in many rural areas of India, the primary obstacle is not the treatment itself but the lack of timely transport. Reaching the hospital promptly is often the hardest part of saving a life. That day served as a reminder that while medical expertise is essential, human courage, compassion, and initiative make survival possible.

The post resonated widely online. Followers praised Dr. Kamath’s humility and recognition of everyday heroes. One remarked that his attitude set an example of modesty that all doctors should emulate, while another applauded the driver’s dedication, calling it an extraordinary act of bravery and compassion.