HELP is on the way for taxi drivers who fall sick during the H1N1 flu outbreak.

Cabbies who are members of the six Taxi Operators' Associations here will receive subsidised outpatient treatment at selected clinics if they fall ill.

This was among a range of measures in a $650,000 relief package unveiled by the associations on Thursday for its 10,000 members.

'We hope this will encourage more taxi drivers to step forward to seek treatment as early as possible if they feel sick,' said Mr Yeo Guat Kwang, acting adviser to all the six associations.

So far, no taxi drivers have been diagnosed with H1N1, he added.

Under the relief package, cabbies who are association members can seek treatment at any of Healthway Group's 37 clinics if they have flu symptoms.

They will pay only $10 per visit, about one-third the normal price. This subsidised rate will be extended to them for up to three visits over a six-month period.

Those who are confirmed H1N1 patients will get even more help from the taxi companies. All medical treament will be paid for, and taxi rental fees will be waived. In addition, these cabbies will receive $30 a day for up to seven days to help make up for their loss in income.

All six taxi companies here will allow its drivers who have the common flu to return their vehicles temporarily so they need not pay taxi rental fees while they are recovering. Alternatively, relief drivers will be provided to cover these cabbies.

Read the full report in Friday's edition of The Straits Times.