Auto drivers in Udupi provide free services to COVID patients

Team Udayavani, May 7, 2021, 10:00 AM IST

Under the aegis of Yashoda Auto Union, a group of autorickshaw drivers has launched a free autorickshaw service to COVID-19 patients and other patients who require immediate admission to hospitals in Udupi.

Talking about the idea of coming up with free auto service, Diwakar Poojary, an autorickshaw driver said, “During the previous lockdown, few people I knew lost their lives as they failed to reach the hospital on time. To avoid such a situation, I began free services with my auto.”

Diwakar informed that a total of 36 auto drivers are engaged in serving the people. This initiative is under the guidance of Krishnamurthy Acharya, Yashodha Auto Union President.

G Jagadeesha, Udupi Deputy Commissioner has supported the initiative. He gave a permission letter along with a sanitizer, showing his support to operate during the lockdown.

To ensure the safety of auto drivers, while shifting COVID-infected patients, the union has distributed face shield, mask, sanitizer, and gloves to all drivers.

All the autos have been mounted with a banner mentioning the phone numbers to reach out. The banner also aims to create awareness of the need to wear a mask and maintaining social distance to check the spread of COVID-19.

For medical emergencies, people can contact on 9916509190.