By IANSlife

New Delhi, Jul 21 (IANSlife): In an attempt to reskill and resettle Indian defence veterans along with helping in the ongoing nationwide fight against COVID-19, a new initiative aims to connect healthcare institutions with ex-servicemen, to ferry doctors and other healthcare workers to hospitals and back home.

The 'Sainik for Doctors', a dedicated service for COVID-19 health workers, was launched at the Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute last week. Started by shared mobility solutions provider MotherPod Innovations, it offers a safe, secure and sanitized mobility service to facilitate a peaceful commute for health workers.

"Drawing on their oath of lifelong service to the nation, the Sainiks will ensure that the country's healthcare workers can go about their daily duties without any fears or concerns for their personal well-being," MotherPod said.

"In the post-COVID scenario, heightened security measures and standards have become critical for safer commutes -- whether you consider healthcare workers, or people travelling for business or leisure. Ex-Defence personnel are ideal for this challenge, since they are disciplined and trained to follow the highest standards of safety protocols. Over time, MotherPod will expand its community of Sainiks and provide many more veterans a supportive ecosystem to move ahead in their careers," Capt. Sanjay Kumar Singh, Head of Partnerships, MotherPod, shared.

The organisation said it will maintain stringent social distancing and safety protocols. "For instance, the maximum number of passengers per ride is fixed at two. A secure acrylic partition of the highest quality has been installed in every vehicle. In addition, a single-use PPE kit with gloves, a sanitizer and mask will be given to every passenger before the ride commences. The interiors are completely sanitized after each journey."

MotherPod aims at re-skilling, resettlement and economic inclusion of ex-servicemen, of about 100,000 veterans in the next three years.