The pandemic has turned everything upside down over the world in these few months. In this chaotic time, people should stay as humane as possible. It seems like Ola, the ride-hailing company, has decided to take humanitarian steps by launching “Ola Emergency” for essential medical travel.
Ola made an announcement regarding its latest services in Bangalore via Twitter on April 8, 2020. Many patients are unable to access proper transportation due to the nationwide lockdown. Therefore, Ola has launched a new emergency service for the non-COVID-19 cases over the 200+ hospitals in Bangalore.
The company will take care to see that you reach to the hospital from home and go back home safely. There are car masks, sanitizers available in all the cabs. The drivers are also specially trained to handle the situation for the safety of the passengers.
A humane initiative
The Karnataka Health Ministry also collaborated with the company to reach its goal. B. Sriramulu, the Health Minister of Karnataka, said:
This permission has been provided by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, to provide an essential service to the citizens in need. Ola has come forward and will transport people with all cases of medical trips and emergencies that are non-ambulatory in nature.
According to the reports, Ola will only be taking the non- COVID 19 patients which include dialysis, chemotherapy, scheduled check-ups and physically injured patients among others. The company also revealed that passengers must pay a nominal fare for the provided services.
Ola has started the “Ola Emergency” services in Bangalore for the time being. They hope to expand this particular service in other major cities as soon as possible.
To avail of the “Ola Emergency” cab service, you have to choose the “Enabled for Hospital” category after opening the Ola app. Drop your pick up and drop location and a cab will be on its way to pick you up.
An Ola spokesperson also made a statement addressing this launch of emergency services.
Ola Emergency will help thousands of citizens get access to quick, convenient and safe transport for trips from home to hospital and vice versa, amidst the minimal availability of transportation during this time. With a dedicated network of sanitised cars and trained drivers, the service will be available 24×7 on the Ola app for citizens of Bengaluru.
What’s more
Meanwhile, other ride-hailing companies like Uber and Alyte have also enabled cab services for those who are in need. Alyte is offering free cab services to those who are affected by the pandemic in Hyderabad and the nearby areas. By joining the state governments, Uber and Ola are also commuting the medical professionals and state and central government workers.
As everyone is trying to fight this mortal virus, we advise you to stay safe indoors. Please take precautions and stay healthy.
