Apollo Tyres Launches Healthcare App for Truck Drivers
Apollo Tyres has introduced the Swasth Saarthi app, a mobile healthcare application aimed at offering medical assistance to truck drivers while they are on the move.
This launch coincides with the celebration of 25 years of the company’s Healthcare Programme, which began in 2000 to cater to the health and wellness requirements of India’s trucking workforce.
The app provides features such as virtual consultations with healthcare professionals and helps users find the nearest Apollo Tyres Healthcare Centre. The company anticipates that the app will initially cater to around 10,000 truck drivers.
The launch was highlighted by a white paper titled “Truckers — the Backbone of Our Supply Chain,” which delved into the difficulties and quality of life concerns experienced by truck drivers. The research indicated that 74% of truck drivers seek medical help while on the road, with many preferring technology-based solutions. Moreover, 74% of these drivers own smartphones, signaling a significant opportunity for digital healthcare services.
Rajeev Kumar Sinha, Chief Manufacturing Officer at Apollo Tyres, reinforced the company’s dedication to expanding healthcare services beyond stationary facilities to include mobile units and digital solutions. “Our ‘One Family’ values exemplify our commitment to customized healthcare for the trucking community,” he remarked during the launch event.
In its 25 years of operation, the Apollo Tyres Foundation has benefitted over 11 million individuals in the trucking sector through its healthcare initiatives. The program has facilitated more than 1,000 health check-up camps and set up 34 healthcare centers across 21 states, offering services like vision care, tuberculosis management, and treatment for various non-communicable diseases.
The initiative began with the Healthy Highway Project, launched in collaboration with DFID, focusing on increasing awareness and prevention of HIV among truckers. It has since broadened its scope to tackle various health challenges unique to drivers who lead mobile lifestyles and often struggle to access traditional healthcare facilities.
The launch event also featured Rajesh Dahiya, Vice President of Commercial for Apollo Tyres (India, SAARC, Southeast Asia), and Shri Kultaran Singh Atwal, Former President of the All India Motor Transport Congress.
