Uber, the global ride-hailing platform that connects riders with drivers, has pledged free rides and deliveries in Pakistan specifically for frontline workers, including the medical staff of hospitals and local NGOs, in an effort to move what matters during the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to details, Uber Medics is designed to ensure that healthcare workers who need to be mobile have a reliable and efficient way of getting around.

The company hopes that this 24/7 dedicated service gives hospitals and their workers the flexibility to provide optimal healthcare.

In partnership with hospitals including Shifa International, Benazir Bhutto and PIMS, Uber Medics will provide free rides for their medical workers and essential staff, who will easily be able to book a ride to home or healthcare locations with the tap of a button from the Uber app.

This service has been designed to ensure health and safety of both riders and drivers, and also extends to NGO programs which support the marginalized sector of the society.

Uber Pakistan's GM, Saad Naveed Pall, said, "We understand the necessity of social distancing in current times and encourage our riders to stay at home. It is, however, imperative to support the healthcare staff of our country, a majority of whom depend on ride-sharing as a primary means of transport.

Our partner drivers are equally assisting our communities through this crisis and with the necessary alterations in our services, we intend to offer them some degree of relief, and added convenience to the riders."

Uber has also taken the necessary steps to ensure the safety of its partner drivers and is reimbursing them for the appropriate protective gear required in their vehicles to help minimize the risk of transmission.