First of its kind cab & ambulance service for wheelchair-bound introduced in Mohali hospital

MOHALI: A unique cab and ambulance service was launched at Fortis Hospital, Mohali on Wednesday. The cab service is different from normal cab service as it is customised for the elderly coming to the hospital and will also help wheelchair-bound patients to reach the hospital.

The doctors feel that the project will help in transporting commuters who have limited mobility because they are wheelchair-bound. "They feel dependent on their family and friends to get from one part of the city to another and of course commuting in public transport is out of question since it is far from accessible," said Ashish Bhatia, Chief Operating Officer, Fortis Healthcare.

He said it was a task to bring the wheelchair-borne patients to the hospital and with introduction of new cabs and ambulances it will facilitate easy mobility of the needy.

The front seats are customised to facilitate easy mobility of the needy and the elderly. The cab service provides a car and driver for the complete duration of the requirement, starting with a minimum of two hours. The driver and cab is at the disposal of the client for the duration of the journey.

The cab’s interiors have been given a special facelift for commuters with mobility challenges such as quadriplegics, paraplegics and senior citizens, to accommodate their wheelchair at the back, along with extra room for three other co-passengers or caregivers, a wheelchair restraint to safely hold the chair during movement, first-aid kit for emergencies, a fire extinguisher and GPS, GPRS which could be tracked on a 24X7 basis. It also has a wheelchair-locking system and special handles, further adding to the comfort of the passenger.