Initiative is part of Uber’s Global Commitment to Move What Matters
Uber, the global ride-hailing platform that connects riders with
drivers, has pledged free rides and deliveries in the Middle East, North
Africa, and Pakistan (MENAP) region, specifically for frontline workers
including the medical staff of hospitals and local NGOs, in an effort to move
what matters during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Uber Medics is designed to ensure that healthcare workers, who need to
be mobile, have a reliable and efficient way of getting around. With this
effort, the company hopes that this 24/7 dedicated service gives hospitals and
their workers the flexibility to provide optimal healthcare.
In partnership with hospitals including Shifa International, Benazir
Bhutto, and PIMS, Uber Medics will provide free rides for their medical workers
and essential staff, who will easily be able to book a ride to their respective
homes or healthcare locations with the tap of a button from the Uber app. This
service has been designed to ensure the health and safety of both riders and
drivers, and also extends to NGO programs which support the marginalized sector
of the society.
Uber Pakistan’s GM, Saad Naveed Pall commented, “We understand the
necessity of social-distancing in current times and encourage our riders to
stay at home. It is, however, imperative to support the healthcare staff of our
country, a majority of whom depend on ride-sharing as a primary means of
transport. Our partner drivers are equally assisting our communities through
this crisis and with the necessary alterations in our services, we intend to
offer them some degree of relief, and added convenience to the riders.”
Uber has also taken the necessary steps to ensure the safety of its
partner drivers and is reimbursing them for the appropriate protective gear
required in their vehicles to help minimize the risk of transmission.
COVID-19 has so far affected more than 13,000 lives in Pakistan, with
a significant hit to the global economy. In these circumstances, Uber seeks to
venture out in innovative ways to bring economic opportunities for its partner
drivers, and cater to the needs of current times. Uber Delivery, for instance,
was recently launched in Lahore, Islamabad and now Karachi, enabling customers
to request for essential items to be dropped off at their doorstep. Uber is
committed to responsibly use its technology to support the public in these
altering times and also work together with the local authorities along with
other entities to soldier through this pandemic.
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