App-based transport firm Grab has presented to Ho Chi Minh City’s health and transport authorities a plan to launch medical equipment and patient transport services amid the raging coronavirus pandemic in the city.

The Ho Chi Minh City-based enterprise plans to use 100 cars for its two new services, Medical and Emergency GrabCar, as stated in its recent proposal to the municipal departments of Transport and Health.

These services will be provided in five localities in Ho Chi Minh City, including Thu Duc City, Districts 2 and 7 and Go Vap and Binh Thanh Districts, or in other localities requested by concerned agencies, the firm said.

With Medical GrabCar, Grab drivers will transport samples to COVID-19 testing facilities, and medical equipment and supplies from and to health facilities, quarantine sites and lockdown areas.

Meanwhile, Emergency GrabCar will help promptly take patients to hospitals or health centers for examination and treatment.

This service will be operated based on specific requirements, as most of those who need emergency treatment are COVID-19 patients who may put Grab drivers at risk of infection.

Grab drivers have the right to refuse orders from customers who choose their destinations other than health facilities.

An emergency trip will serve only one patient and one accompanying relative, said Grab.

The firm will set up a hotline for customers to place their orders in case they cannot do the same using Grab app on their mobile phones.

Drivers for emergency services will be those who have received two full coronavirus vaccine doses while drivers for medical equipment transport are required to have got the first shot, the firm said.

Grab plans to deploy the Medical GrabCar first from August 15 to September 1 before launching both services from September 1, until car transport services resume normal operation in the city.

The firm will bear all operating expenses for the two new services, including common equipment for vehicles and drivers, except for specialized emergency equipment.

Cars used for such services should be granted a special insignia as a necessary identification during their operation, the firm suggested.

Grab said it will submit to the two departments the lists of cars and drivers qualified for the new services upon their approval of the firm’s proposal.

The company also proposed that the two departments issue guidance for concerned agencies to consistently control and inspect vehicles and drivers employed for the new services.

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