MakeMyTrip partners ICMR-approved labs to facilitate testing for travellers

MakeMyTrip partners with ICMR-approved Dr. LalPath Labs and SRL Diagnostics across metros and major cities in India to help open up travel safely

In an effort to make the end-to-end travel experience hassle-free and comfortable, MakeMyTrip (NASDAQ: MMYT), India’s leading travel company has partnered with ICMR-approved Dr. LalPath Labs and SRL Diagnostics to make the process of testing for the purpose of travel – swift and convenient. Through this facilitation service, travellers will be able to easily book an appointment for a COVID-19 test at Dr. Lal PathLabs and SRL Diagnostics across all major metros and select cities including Pune, Gurgaon, Faridabad, Patna, Chandigarh, Panchkula, Mohali, Amritsar, Jalandhar, Bhatinda, Trivandrum and Cochin among others.

As the coronavirus negative test report becomes mandatory for domestic and international travellers, the testing facilitation service will allow MakeMyTrip customers’ to book a sample collection from home or by making an appointment at screening center, depending on the collection services offered by Dr Lal PathLabs and SRL Diagnosis. These tests will be priced at standard rates as followed by respective states.

Speaking on the launch of this service, Vipul Prakash, Chief Operating Officer, MakeMyTrip said, Ubiquitous testing is one of the most secure ways to reopen travel and it is already an essential requirement for international and a significant amount of domestic travel too. However, there is still a lot of friction as far as logistical hurdles are concerned for travellers who are looking to get pre-trip COVID-19 tests done. By partnering with India’s leading testing labs, we are making the process convenient bringing ease and comfort back while planning travel safely.”

Commenting on the tie-up, Dr Om Manchanda, Managing Director, Dr Lal Pathlabs Ltd. said, “Covid-19 pandemic has created huge challenges for every citizen in the country in terms of following social distancing norms and saving themselves from getting infected by the virus. As the government has open the lockdown and travelling becomes more frequent, it will be mandatory to have a robust system in place to test and monitor infected people travelling via various means. Dr. Lal Pathlabs has been on the forefront of testing the citizens for Covid-19 and wholeheartedly supports the endeavour of MakeMyTrip to create a system where each and every member travelling via MakeMyTrip can easily get himself/herself tested for Covid-19. We are confident that such efforts will be taken across sectors and companies to safeguard citizens from getting infected.”

Anand K, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), SRL Diagnostics said, “We are delighted to associate with MakeMyTrip to enable people to travel safely, healthy and with peace of mind. With Unlock 4.0, as the government begins to further relax interstate travel, we advise the people of our country to follow sensible guidance to prepare their trip and reduce the risk of exposure to Covid-19 while this outbreak is ongoing. Following COVID-19 testing protocols remains an imperative step in this direction”

Amping up coronavirus testing facilities and standardizing testing protocols for travellers have emerged as the two key health screening measures required to restore and boost traveller confidence in the new post-Corona world. The safety and well-being of travellers is paramount to all in the travel value chain as the sector reopens for business after months of lockdown and restrictions. MakeMyTrip’s testing facilitation service is a step towards making pre-trip COVID-19 testing an integral part of the travel planning process. It will also encourage people to prioritize their safety while travelling again.