The COVID-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc on communities across the globe. It has upended lives, decimated healthcare systems, and crippled economies the world over. India, in particular, was severely affected by the second wave of COVID-19. The healthcare infrastructure in India, including hospitals, medical clinics and medical equipment, were all pushed to the brink with many sick people unable to receive treatment and care. During this time, India had recorded the highest average of new COVID-19 cases and deaths anywhere in the world.
As the need for pandemic support in India increased, BAPS Charities Canada identified four key areas where it could make the most impact through its relief measures:
– Medicinal supplies
– Food provisions for patients
– Treatment expense subsidies and coverage for uninsured patients and,
– Extra equipment and support staff in affiliated hospitals in cities across Gujarat, including Ahmedabad, Baroda and Surat
BAPS Charities worked with its affiliates in India to manage the relief effort’s implementation, coordination, and facilitation with a $200,000 donation. Yogesh Patel, President of BAPS Charities Canada, said, This donation was made possible with the generosity of many individual donors and organizations across Canada. We appreciate the support of the Indo-Canadian Psychiatric Association, Gujarati Mandal of Calgary, and the Panchal Samaj of Ontario. We are also grateful to the ICICI Bank, which facilitated the transfer of the funds to India.”
BAPS Charities has been actively engaged in various COVID-19 relief efforts across the world. In Canada, BAPS Charities has supported communities by donating PPE to hospitals, distributing care packages, donating to food banks, and hosting a COVID-19 vaccination clinic in Toronto.
