Crack Platoon to help reach doctors at hospitals without fare

A free transport service for doctors, nurses and health workers has been launched today (April 1) in the capital Dhaka with an aim to help them reach hospitals in a faster and convenient way amid their fight against the coronavirus or COVID-19. 

Initially, four busses and 12 microbuses have been arranged to pick up doctors and nurses from their homes and drop them at hospitals in three shifts -- at 8am, 2pm and 8pm -- in a day in the capital.

Apart from the scheduled shuttle services, transport will also be provided for the doctors and nurses in case of emergency calls within the capital.

Under the supervision of Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), non-governmental organisation ‘The Earth Society’ and vehicle IT solution firm ‘Bondstein Technologies’ jointly took the initiative with support of DBL Pharmaceuticals Ltd and Dhaka Hub of Global Shapers.

The service was named as ‘Crack Platoon Transport Service’ inspired by the famous guerrilla unit named ‘Crack Platoon’ that had conducted a number of heroic commando operations in Dhaka during the War of Liberation in 1971.

The executive director of The Earth Society Md Mamun Mia told risingbd that the service began on Tuesday (March 31) in piloting form but it was launched formally at 8:00 am on Wednesday (April 1).

Over 250 doctors and caregivers have so far registered in the website for availing themselves of the service and any doctor or caregiver in need of the service can register through the website – bit.ly/crackplatoontransport and can call at the hotline number – 09639595959.



Dhaka/Hasan/AI