Andhra Pradesh allows Ola to operate cabs for non-COVID medical emergencies

Hyderabad: The Andhra Pradesh transport, roads, and building department has said Ola cabs can operate in the state to provide medical transport services to people during the lockdown. The state government took the decision after it received several requests from the Ola cabs association to operate emergency services in the cities of Andhra Pradesh to help people requiring urgent medical care (non-COVID related).

The association had requested the state government to allow it to help patients who had been discharged from hospitals and to cater to the transport needs of health care workers. In Karnataka, Ola has collaborated with the health department and the state government.

The Andhra government has decided to launch this facility as a pilot project in Visakhapatnam after consulting the transport and police departments. It has made it clear that this service is only for medical emergencies and for doctors and paramedical staff attending medical duties.

The emergency medical transport services are limited between the passenger's residence and the hospital. Only health care workers and patients with non-COVID ailments can avail of the service. Only two passengers, excluding the driver, can be allowed in the cab to ensure social distance is maintained. The passengers should wear masks and use sanitizers while using cab services. The government will take serious action against non-genuine travels. The cab will be fumigated and sanitised at regular intervals, the transport department has said. It has also instructed Ola to ensure the safety of the passengers.