Despite being the backbone of the supply and logistics chain that propels our economy, truck drivers are one of the most neglected communities when it comes to social protection policies. During the COVID-19 pandemic, in spite of supplying essential medical and hazardous commodities (like liquid oxygen), they were not considered as frontline workers and were not prioritised for receiving the vaccinations. Long working hours, stress of timely completion of trips, and unsafe driving conditions leave them particularly vulnerable to health risks and accidents. Low wages further impact their ability to seek health insurance to cover their risk and treatment costs. It is crucial to provide truck drivers with medical support, insurance, and make their profession safe and rewarding.

Health insurance and medical support through teleconsultation for truck drivers

Uplift, through its health insurance and 24×7 teleconsultation support covers 10,000 truck drivers across the country. Services include outpatient care at logistical hubs (starting with Pune), navigation support to access secondary care, and immediate accident relief. To reduce the number of accidents amongst enrolled truck drivers, Uplift has also linked safe driving with financial incentives and included it as a component of health insurance. The program has so far conducted vaccination drives for truck drivers, and provided adequate support to drivers working in COVID afflicted areas.