- Tuesday, April 23, 2024
By: Pramod Kumar
A leading charity has joined efforts in combating the Covid-19 pandemic and alleviating the suffering in India during the second wave.
BAPS Charities, through its global network and partner hospitals, has so far supported the treatment of over 3,800 victims to full recovery from Covid-19 in the country, a statement said.
Partner hospitals in India have provided nearly 900 beds to the afflicted. Besides, BAPS Charities utilised its international network of volunteers and well-wishers to provide medical oxygen relief where possible, it added.
Covid patients receive treatment at BAPS Hospital in Surat, India.
The charity has distributed over 2,300 oxygen concentrators, 132 metric tons of liquid oxygen via cryogenic tanks, and over 7.85 million liters of gaseous oxygen throughout India to date.
These oxygen supplies were transported from the US, UK, UAE, Kenya, Uganda and South Africa, the charity said.
Anand Barot, a lead volunteer assisting with efforts on the ground in India, said: “The situation here is dire. Medical staff and volunteers at hospitals operated by BAPS are doing everything possible to provide the best treatment and care for those suffering from the virus. We understand that there is a long road ahead and we continue to explore other ways to help.”
BAPS Charities and partner organizations have connected with doctors and medical professionals in many rural areas in the country. Relief was provided in Chandigarh, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Karnataka, Maharashtra, New Delhi, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh.
Covid patients receive treatment using the oxygen concentrators procured and distributed by BAPS Charities
Dr. Chimanbhai Parmar, who has for many years operated and owned a clinic in a small town of Dali in Gujarat, India said: “Many Covid patients in villages lack oxygen to breathe properly and often do not receive the facilities they need. The welcome step by BAPS has brought great relief to many patients until we can shift them to a larger hospital. Many patients are greatly benefiting. This is indeed welcome help.”
Dr. Pranav Patel of Gujarat, India said: “Due to the lack of oxygen in the clinics, hospitals and homes, patients were suffering and dying from breathlessness. The situation was so bad that the relatives of patients had to stand in line to procure oxygen -often walking away with nothing. At that time, BAPS and its volunteers answered the call for help. The organization came to the hospital and helped us procure oxygen concentrators and we were able to save the lives of many patients and recover fully.”
The charity has mobilised volunteers throughout the world to deliver PPE, provide hot meals and care packages, conducted food drives for the needy and held Covid vaccination drives. Besides, BAPS Charities USA has provided direct financial assistance to numerous hospitals, medical centers, and various community support organizations.
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