Alipay establishes logistical team for medical supplies

Digital wallet giant Alipay announced on Wednesday it has established a special logistics supply team serving medical rescue teams in Central China's Hubei province, where the contagious novel coronavirus has hit hardest.

The task force primarily procures goods in thermal insulation and necessities for doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals in hospitals across the province, the company said in a statement.

The first batch of provisions arrived in Wuhan, Hubei's capital city, on Tuesday night, bringing 40 types of daily necessities like electric blankets, cotton slippers, napkins, towels, combs and laundry detergent.

For joint purchase and distribution, Alipay said it has leveraged resources with sister companies of parent Alibaba Group, like e-commerce sites Taobao and Tmall, local service units Koubei and Ele.me and logistics arm Cainiao.

Acknowledging basic supplies have become scarce due to the urgency of the situation, Alipay said it hopes items such as these could help them sleep soundly and be refreshed every day as they fight to save lives.

On Monday, Alibaba has announced a string of measures, from commission exemption to favorable interest rates, to bolster small-and medium-sized businesses who are at potential financial risk.