The novel coronavirus which originated from China has now started to engulf India. So far, the virus has claimed more than 80 lives in India and infected more than 3,000 people. The COVID-19 pandemic presents an unprecedented challenge to the nation. This crisis calls for an even stronger and concerted action from corporate citizens to join the national effort and help the Government in the fight against the pandemic.
In a call to the nation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had asked organizations and individuals to donate some amount of money for the Prime Minister’s Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency situation Fund (PM CARES Fund) to further strengthen the Centre’s efforts to tackle the situation.
Many private organizations like Mahindra & Mahindra and high-net-worth individuals like Ratan Tata have already contributed to the fund and also pledged to make ventilators and other essential medical equipment at cheaper rates for assisting the doctors and paramedics in their efforts.
Coming up in support of the government efforts and owing up to its corporate social responsibility, Aditya Birla Group has also contributed ₹500Cr towards relief measures for the pandemic.
Rajashree Birla, Chairperson, Aditya Birla Centre for Community Initiatives and Rural Development said, “Given the severity of the disruption, there is a compelling need for a multi-pronged response that includes financial and material support, healthcare assistance and community responsibility.”
In addition to the donation, the group has undertaken a few other initiatives as well, such as:
- Activate a 100-bed COVID-19 facility at Seven Hills Hospital in Mumbai, in partnership with BMC.
- Earmarked more than 200 beds for COVID-19 patients across locations including Ujjain, Pune, Hazaribagh, Rayagada, Solapur, and Kharach.
- Allocated Rs.50 crore towards the supply of 1 million N95 masks, 2,80,000 personal protective equipment (PPE), as well as ventilators.
- Commenced production of 1 million triple-layer surgical masks and 1 lakh coverall garments with the support of the Textiles Ministry.
- Involved community and self-help groups in-home production of lakhs of masks across several locations.
- Continuous and proactive engagement with local communities and other stakeholders. This includes awareness camps across 200 locations and door-to-door campaigns to reinforce prevention messages as well as social distancing.
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