Vietnam, especially the city of Da Nang, is facing a second wave of the coronavirus epidemic. While paid transport is banned, around 100 drivers have mobilized to transport women about to give birth to hospital free of charge.
In the midst of the Covid-19 epidemic, Vietnamese taxi drivers are mobilizing to help pregnant women. Indeed, the application Taxi Grab, widely used in Vietnam, now receives special passengers. According to the site Vietnamnet, official title of the Ministry of Information and Communication of Vietnam, the app connects drivers with pregnant women about to give birth. The drivers, including Tran Ngoc Vu who started the project, drive clients to the hospital for free so that they can give life in the most serene and safe way possible.
As the Covid-19 epidemic regains ground in Vietnam, mainly in the city of Da Nang, the movements of pregnant women are becoming more and more complicated. Paid transport has become prohibited, only individual vehicles are still allowed. As for the paramedics, they are often overwhelmed.
This free taxi service was initiated by 29-year-old Tran Ngoc Vu. He then recruited five local taxi drivers and their initiative was widely shared on social media. So, drivers from Da Nang and Quang Nam province decided to join the team. "I've seen a lot of posts on my social media. Many people are struggling to find transportation to go to the hospital ", explains the driver.
Many taxi drivers in Da Nang province have seen their jobs suspended since the period of social distancing introduced in the city at the end of July. This should continue until further notice so drivers don't know when they can return to work.
“Anytime there is a call from a pregnant woman, no matter if it's midnight or on a rainy day, of having to travel near or far, we are always ready to go. woman, I understand how difficult it is when a woman is in labor, that she has to bring a lot of things, but without being able to find a car. Everyone is concerned by this situation. ", explains Truong Thi Chau who joins the team with her husband
Whileit is more difficult to reserve a car in times of social distancing, Tran Ngoc Vu says everyone is aware "risks in hospitals " in the midst of a pandemic. Thus, the population takes preventive measures both in cars and in hospitals. “We want to unite with the whole city to overcome the pandemic challenges. Every time we know that a baby is born healthy, we all feel happy and lucky.", concluded Tran Ngoc Vu.