Though the peak of the second wave of COVID-19 infections has subsided from May 2021, the battle is far from over, with daily new infection counts still well over 100,000 and the death toll reaching over 335,000.
With a network of partner facilities and volunteers from around the world, BAPS Charities continues to serve the ailing with the same intensity and determination since the onset of the pandemic.
In April 2021, as the new strain gained momentum in India, BAPS Charities and its global partners took action on two fronts in its service to the people of India. First, facilities were repurposed in the population centers of Vadodara, Ahmedabad, Surat and Botad to help the most critical victims. To date, over 3,500 patients have been successfully treated and discharged.
Through its partner organizations, BAPS Charities is also assisting the Ministry of Health of Gujarat by providing physical space, infrastructure services and food to its temporary 500-bed facility in Atladara (Vadodara).
However, for many, receiving sufficient oxygen earlier in their battle is a life-saving and a possible hospital-avoiding treatment. Simultaneous with its efforts in their hospitals and clinics, BAPS Charities began sourcing oxygen and oxygen-related equipment from around the globe. The shortage in India of oxygen-related resources was tremendous.
Thanks to the generosity of donors, the organization has, as of June 4, already procured and distributed the following:
– Over 1,300 oxygen concentrators throughout India
– 132 metric tons of liquid oxygen via cryogenic tanks
– Over 7.85 million liters of gaseous oxygen
These essential oxygen supplies were shipped from USA, UK, UAE, Kenya, Uganda, South Africa and elsewhere. In addition to these international efforts, a 13,000-liter liquid oxygen tank was quickly constructed in Atladara.
The oxygen shortage is not confined to any demographic or area. Due to our on-the-ground presence, this most basic and critical need has already reached more than 230 different healthcare facilities throughout India, including:
Chandigarh, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Karnataka, Maharashtra, New Delhi, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand
For many patients, having to travel for oxygen to a major metropolitan area is fraught with its own dangers and complications.
It is for this reason that BAPS Charities and its volunteers have worked with doctors and medical professionals in many rural areas to provide them with oxygen and other provisions within their local area.
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 [in providing oxygen concentrators] 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.”
BAPS Charities understands that the fight against COVID is one of shared responsibility, shared benefits and shared values. We want to thank our benefactors, volunteers, doctors, medical and paramedical professionals who have worked tirelessly and selflessly in serving one and all regardless of economic, social or religious background. Our fight is far from over, but we can make a difference. Together.
