We are fortunate that the second wave of coronavirus in India has started going down. However, it is not over. The virus is still new for experts. It is unpredictable and we cannot be sure what the future holds. We need to strengthen COVID care centres and government hospitals. We must be prepared for a possible rise in cases in the near future.
The crisis
When the pandemic first hit, we realised that there was an urgent need for isolation and COVID care centres. The second wave hit India in an unimaginable way. Government hospitals ran out of beds and other healthcare equipment. Doctors and other healthcare workers are risking their lives each day on the frontlines. However, without proper equipment and supplies, our frontline workers cannot save precious lives.
Impact on society
The situation has resulted in increased inequalities between different sections of society. On the one hand, there are few who had enough money to acquire resources by any means without burning a hole in their pocket. Then, there are middle-class people who have exhausted all their savings in getting healthcare for their family members.
And there are others who simply do not have the option to go out of the way financially. They are entirely dependent on the government’s healthcare infrastructure and do not have any spare cash for out of pocket medical expenses.
Can we strengthen COVID care centres and government hospitals?
Smile Foundation understands the seriousness of the crises which the pandemic has thrown at us. We have broadened our scope to become a COVID-19 relief fund. COVID care centres and government health institutions are facing shortage of oxygen cylinders, oxygen concentrators, BiPAP machines, PPE kits, sanitizers, oximeters, thermal scanners, and masks. These are absolutely essential for the treatment of COVID patients and the safety of doctors.
Our target is to equip at least 100 COVID care centres and government hospitals with the necessary provisions. Corporates and institutions have been a big support till now.
YOUR contribution!
It is important to remember that strengthening the healthcare infrastructure of the country is a step towards development. It is not just about the underprivileged but about helping society as a whole. This pandemic has shown us that health cannot wait. You can do your part by donating to a COVID-19 solidarity response fund for the betterment of the healthcare infrastructure of the country.
