HYDERABAD: Humsafar, by Helping Hand Foundation is all set to provide transport services for patients at all tertiary hospitals in the city. The Foundation that already offers volunteering services will soon roll out the free cab services in association with Ola and Uber for those falling in the Below Poverty Line category.On Thursday, one P Venkatesh, suffering from oral cancer, was picked up from MNJ Cancer Hospital to be dropped at Secunderabad station.
“The intention was to reduce the burden on those coming from districts to avail services under Aarogyasri. They often have to go to the CM camp office in Begumpet, to get an approval. Most times they are lost.
They also have difficulty in reaching public transport centres in the city, after they come in for treatment,” said Mujtaba Hasan Askari from Helping Hand Foundation.
While MNJ Cancer Hospital has signed up for the services, the Foundation will be speaking to NIMS soon. Proposals have been sent to Gandhi Hospital, Osmania General Hospital and Niloufer Hospital. “We are keen to provide services at the Modern Government Maternity Hospital in Petla Burj as they need it the most,” added Askari. They are also in talks with both the cab service providers for better deals.
How it works
Those who need the services can approach the help desk after which volunteers will send a message to the head office and a booking will be done from there. The driver’s details will be shared on a common WhatsApp group. They will be given a slip with the volunteer’s number. In case they need to come back to the pick up point, they can call the volunteer who will book another cab for the return journey.