NGO offers free transport to hospitals and CACs for B40 Covid-19 patients
Humanitarian NGO Kembara will soon offer free transport services for Covid-19 patients who are facing difficulties finding their own way of reaching local hospitals and Covid-19 Assessment Centres (CACs).
William Cheah, co-founder of the group, said the service will be up and running on July 30 and welcome those who tested positive for Covid-19 but do not have means of transport to contact his team for help.
He said the idea of...
Humanitarian NGO Kembara will soon offer free transport services for Covid-19 patients who are facing difficulties finding their own way of reaching local hospitals and Covid-19 Assessment Centres (CACs).
William Cheah, co-founder of the group, said the service will be up and running on July 30 and welcome those who tested positive for Covid-19 but do not have means of transport to contact his team for help.
He said the idea of the service was conceived after he saw the immense pressure facing the country’s public health system and its impact on people in the lower-income group.
“[...] Today it was highlighted to us how difficult it was for some people, especially those in B40, to even get to the hospitals.
“Even our ambulance services have been overwhelmed. Maybe that’s why there are so many brought in dead now.
“I don’t know whether public transportation is a wise idea, so we’re starting a new service,” Cheah posted on his social media yesterday.
Calling itself Team Nafas (Breathe), the transport service consisting of a dedicated team trained by the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department will start operating five vehicles within Klang Valley for 24 hours every day from July 30 to August 31.
Cheah said the service is open to everyone that needs help, but reminded the public against taking advantage of the service as it is targeting those who lack their own transportation only.
“We won’t question anyone but we sincerely hope that no one will take unfair advantage of it.
“But as long as you need it, and we don’t care if you’re a local or foreigner, documented or not, to get medical aid, reach out to us,” Cheah said.
Noting the danger that his team will face when dealing with Covid-19 positive patients, Cheah maintained that the service is necessary and his team has made sound preparations, including vaccinating its service members.
“It is a bit scary for us but I think there’s a need, and the team members either had their first dose (of the Covid-19 vaccine) or will get their second dose by this weekend or next week,” Cheah told Malaysiakini.
Members of the public are urged to send a Whatsapp message, not a call, to 017-266 9936 for requesting the service which will start on July 30.
