Vijayapura: With an objective of extending helping hand to people suffering from Covid infection, as many as six autorickshaw drivers have come forward to offer service to infected persons by converting their autos into an ambulance.

The members of Mahatma Gandhi Auto Union of the city, have joined hands with NGO, and non-formal educational organisation who in fact encouraged the auto drivers to take up this service.

Dastagir Ukkali, one of the member of the union said that these six drivers have been given Covid kits that include, masks, sanitisers and PPE kits for using it while transporting Covid patients to the hospitals. The drivers have also been given training on how to use these materials properly before carrying the Covid infected person.

The NGO said that the auto drivers are fully-trained to take patients during the possible third wave which is believe ld to hit the nation very soon. In such a situation, a large number of people may get infected from Covid and may need vehicle facilities to visit hospitals. In order to provide service to them, six auto drivers were trained.

Ukkali said that the service will be provided free of cost. Covid infected person or their relative could contact the auto drivers if they need to visit the hospital. The drivers will come to the house and pick the patient.

“During the second wave of Covid, some five drivers had provided the service. This time as many as six drivers have come forward to serve. Couple of more are showing interest, and we are hoping that they will join the cause too”, he said.

For details of drivers, one can contact 8792980231.