The offer comes shortly after government order further restricted movement across capital, which is listed as a Red zone
Uber today extended its UberMedic service free of charge to two more leading public hospitals in New Delhi, Lady Hardinge Medical College and Kalawati Saran Children’s Hospital for transporting frontline healthcare workers.
The offer comes shortly after a government order further restricted movement across the capital, which is listed as a Red zone. Other leading public hospitals in New Delhi such as Sri Ganga Ram Hospital, Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital and Safdarjung Hospital are already using UberMedic.
Sharing details about the service, Prabhjeet Singh, Director, Operations and Head of Cities, Uber India & South-Asia, said, “The Government has been working tirelessly to contain the spread of COVID-19 and this partnership is our contribution to help India win its battle against the pandemic. We, at Uber, salute our healthcare workers who continue putting themselves at risk for the sake of others. We are also grateful to UbeMedic drivers who help transport these heroes to and from their homes to healthcare facilities. We will continue to support the Indian government in these challenging times.”
Dr Preeti Singh, Associate Professor, Department of Paediatrics, Lady Hardinge Medical College and Kalawati Saran Children’s Hospital, said “The country is dependent on our doctors and healthcare workers who are risking their lives every day in the fight against COVID-19. Our partnership with Uber is the need of the hour and UberMedic ensures that all our doctors, nurses and medical staff have a convenient and reliable mode of transport to travel to and from their homes, saving precious time to focus their energies on saving lives every day.”
Vishal Sharma, UberMedic driver said, “When I got a call asking me if I was interested in transporting doctors, nurses and other hospital staff, I agreed immediately. I didn’t even inquire about what I would be paid. If everyone sits at home, who will fight the disease? Everybody needs to pitch in, and I’m doing what I do best- driving. The driver’s cabin is sealed off with floor-to-roof plastic sheeting and no one is permitted to sit next to the driver. All seats are disinfected before every journey and I use masks, gloves and hand sanitisers. The healthcare professionals are on the frontline. How long can they battle without help? Doctors and nurses give me a lot of respect. My true remuneration is when they thank me for dropping them home safely and in comfort.”
Free rides to support hospitals in New Delhi is part of Uber’s global commitment, recently announced by Dara Khosrowshahi, CEO, Uber Technologies to provide 10 million rides and food deliveries free of charge to healthcare workers, seniors, and people in need.
All the UberMedic cars being provided to New Delhi hospitals are fitted with a roof-to-floor plastic sheeting enclosing the driver, thereby limiting contact with the rider. Additionally, to maintain safety and hygiene standards, while moving what matters, all drivers are being trained in safety procedures and are being provided with personal protective equipment such as masks, gloves, sanitisers and disinfectants to sanitise the cars between rides.
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