<p>A group of autorickshaw drivers, under the aegis of Yashodha Auto Union, has launched a free autorickshaw service for Covid-19 patients and also for other patients who require immediate admission in hospitals in Udupi.</p>.<p>“I started the service soon after the announcement of lockdown to serve the people in need. During the previous lockdown, two to three patients, whom I knew, had lost their lives after failing to reach the hospital within the golden hour.</p>.<p>To avoid such a situation, I begun free services in Kadekar and Kidiyoor gram panchayat jurisdictions with my auto,” Diwakar Poojary told <em>DH</em>.</p>.<p>Other members of the Union have also joined hands to serve people in times of distress.</p>.<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/national/rickshaw-driver-offers-free-oxygen-transport-for-covid-19-patients-982168.html" target="_blank">Rickshaw driver offers free oxygen, transport for Covid-19 patients</a></strong></p>.<p>A total of 36 auto drivers, under the guidance of Yashodha Auto Union President Krishnamurthy Acharya, are engaged in serving the people.</p>.<p>“We have divided ourselves among the wards and the rural areas that can be covered in our limits to help patients in reaching hospitals.</p>.<p>From morning till 10.30 am on Wednesday, I have received two calls to rush two patients to hospitals in Manipal and Udupi,” he said.</p>.<p>The service is available round-the-clock. “We earn our livelihood from 6 am to 10 am daily. After 10 am, we serve the patients by helping them to reach hospitals in quick time,” said Diwakar.</p>.<p>Our priority is to those who are poor and have no vehicle facilities. Udupi Deputy Commissioner G Jagadeesha too has supported our initiative by giving permission letter, along with a sanitiser, to operate during the lockdown period, he added.</p>.<p><a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/tag/coronavirus" target="_blank"><strong>CORONAVIRUS SPECIAL COVERAGE ONLY ON DH</strong></a></p>.<p>“The Union has distributed face shield, mask, sanitiser and gloves to all drivers to ensure the safety of self while shifting Covid-infected patients. We receive calls daily not only to reach the hospitals but also to buy medicines from local pharmacies,” said Poojary.</p>.<p>All 36 autos have mounted a banner mentioning the phone numbers to reach out. The banner also creates awareness on the need to wear a mask and maintain social distance to check spread of Covid-19.</p>.<p>People can contact on 99165 09190.</p>.<p><strong>In Mangaluru</strong></p>.<p>Bajarang Dal and Vishwa Hind Parishat (VHP) have launched a free autorickshaw service for the needy in Mangaluru. Members also arrange food, buy medicines and offer free cremation services. For free auto services in Mangaluru, contact 8884884549.</p>
<p>A group of autorickshaw drivers, under the aegis of Yashodha Auto Union, has launched a free autorickshaw service for Covid-19 patients and also for other patients who require immediate admission in hospitals in Udupi.</p>.<p>“I started the service soon after the announcement of lockdown to serve the people in need. During the previous lockdown, two to three patients, whom I knew, had lost their lives after failing to reach the hospital within the golden hour.</p>.<p>To avoid such a situation, I begun free services in Kadekar and Kidiyoor gram panchayat jurisdictions with my auto,” Diwakar Poojary told <em>DH</em>.</p>.<p>Other members of the Union have also joined hands to serve people in times of distress.</p>.<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/national/rickshaw-driver-offers-free-oxygen-transport-for-covid-19-patients-982168.html" target="_blank">Rickshaw driver offers free oxygen, transport for Covid-19 patients</a></strong></p>.<p>A total of 36 auto drivers, under the guidance of Yashodha Auto Union President Krishnamurthy Acharya, are engaged in serving the people.</p>.<p>“We have divided ourselves among the wards and the rural areas that can be covered in our limits to help patients in reaching hospitals.</p>.<p>From morning till 10.30 am on Wednesday, I have received two calls to rush two patients to hospitals in Manipal and Udupi,” he said.</p>.<p>The service is available round-the-clock. “We earn our livelihood from 6 am to 10 am daily. After 10 am, we serve the patients by helping them to reach hospitals in quick time,” said Diwakar.</p>.<p>Our priority is to those who are poor and have no vehicle facilities. Udupi Deputy Commissioner G Jagadeesha too has supported our initiative by giving permission letter, along with a sanitiser, to operate during the lockdown period, he added.</p>.<p><a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/tag/coronavirus" target="_blank"><strong>CORONAVIRUS SPECIAL COVERAGE ONLY ON DH</strong></a></p>.<p>“The Union has distributed face shield, mask, sanitiser and gloves to all drivers to ensure the safety of self while shifting Covid-infected patients. We receive calls daily not only to reach the hospitals but also to buy medicines from local pharmacies,” said Poojary.</p>.<p>All 36 autos have mounted a banner mentioning the phone numbers to reach out. The banner also creates awareness on the need to wear a mask and maintain social distance to check spread of Covid-19.</p>.<p>People can contact on 99165 09190.</p>.<p><strong>In Mangaluru</strong></p>.<p>Bajarang Dal and Vishwa Hind Parishat (VHP) have launched a free autorickshaw service for the needy in Mangaluru. Members also arrange food, buy medicines and offer free cremation services. For free auto services in Mangaluru, contact 8884884549.</p>
