TV9 Network launches vaccination campaign for truck drivers

TV9 Network, in association with Shriram Transport Finance Company (STFC) Ltd and Apollo Hospitals, today kickstarted Highway Heroes, a month-long initiative to vaccinate 6000 drivers, who literally keep the wheels of India’s economy moving, even during the most challenging times.  
The campaign, inaugurated in Chennai, will travel to transportation hubs in four more cities – Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai and Delhi NCR – over the next one month. The vaccination and health check-up camps will be set up in each city for four days.  The four-day camp was inaugurated in Chennai today by Ramesh PB, Deputy GM, Operations, STFC.

“As India emerges from the shadows of the pandemic, it is time to acknowledge the foot soldiers who kept the country on the move in face of sheer adversity. That’s why we thought that vaccinating truck drivers was the best possible way to salute their spirit and create awareness among this important segment of the transportation community against any vaccine hesitancy,” said Umesh Revankar, CEO and MD, STFC.

Revankar said that the company works closely with truck drivers – whether it’s helping them graduate from a driver to owner of a truck or supporting their children with scholarships or ensuring regular health check-up camps. “We have broadened the scope of our existing relationship with the community and given the current context of the pandemic leading a vaccination drive seemed to be the need of the hour,” added Revankar.

Echoing Revankar’s sentiments, S. Balamurugan, Lead CSR, STFC said: “We, at STFC, believe that support and care can transform their lives. Our endeavor is to provide continuous support to our partners, while also focusing on their well-being. Since one’s health plays an important role in one’s wellbeing, we have been conducting medical check-ups for drivers and their families. The vaccination drive is a natural extension of our current focus on the well-being of truck drivers.”

Apollo Hospitals has joined the movement as healthcare partner for TV9 Network Highway Heroes campaign. “It is an honour to have this opportunity to acknowledge the contribution of the truck drivers for their dedication in keeping India on the move during the pandemic. As we emerge from the second wave, it is critical to vaccinate and protect truck drivers from COVID as they traverse the vast expanse of the country,” said Dr. K. Hari Prasad, President, Hospitals Division, Apollo Hospitals.  

Dr Prasad added that the logistics of getting truck drivers vaccinated are challenging, but “Apollo Hospitals large network across India will help to ensure success in this initiative”.

Raktim Das, Chief Growth Officer (Broadcasting & Digital), TV9 Network, said: “Truck drivers serve as the backbone of the Indian economy and their contribution during the Covid crisis in ensuring that supply lines keep moving has been extraordinary. As India’s No. 1 News Network, we have always made it a point to come up with Social Cause Initiatives. Highway Heroes campaign that aims at vaccinating close to 6000 truck drivers across transport hubs is one more such initiative from the network that showcases our concern and care for citizens of our nation.”