Cancer patients in Metro Manila with chemotherapy sessions can now avail of carpool services during the Luzon lockdown.

With the suspension of public transportation during the enhanced community quarantine, going to hospitals is currently a challenge for indigent cancer patients in Metro Manila.

To help address the problem, Cancer Coalition Philippines, iCanServe Foundation, and RockEd Philippines collaborated to extend carpool services for indigent cancer patients scheduled for chemotherapy sessions.

Patients only have to coordinate through the Cancer Coalition’s social media account, provide their address, medical history and chemotherapy session details.

Patients can also be accompanied and will be connected to a volunteer car owner nearest them. They are also reminded to confirm their schedule to their respective hospitals as limited facilities are available because of the pandemic.

In a hospital in Pasig City, medical oncology section chief Dr. Josephine Tolentino said the number of outpatients for chemotherapy decreased when public transportation was halted.

Some patients also expressed apprehensions on going to hospitals for fear of contracting COVID-19.

Tolentino assured their patients that they sanitize regularly using disinfectants. Alcohol and disinfectant mats are also readily available before entering the complex.