COVID – 19 Support
COVID – 19 Support
The COVID-19 pandemic revealed the unpreparedness in handling medical catastrophes, as highlighted by the challenges faced during lockdowns, particularly in Mumbai. With healthcare systems overwhelmed, many people struggled with limited access to essential services and resources. Data revealed concerning inadequacy and restriction to manage the magnitude; approximately 1.2 beds per thousand people emphasised the urgent need for improvements in public health infrastructure.
Recognising this lack of healthcare infrastructure, Navneet Foundation formed significant collaboration with the government to support Mega COVID Centres, erected specifically to cope with the pandemic. This support included providing ventilators, oxygen cylinders, essential lifesaving drugs, electric and manual beds for patients, RO plants, 4500 steamers, 2400 bed-linen sets and over 16000 PPE and health & sanitation kits for front line workers. The Foundation also funded remuneration of 99 COVID Warrior team in other smaller COVID centre.
In response to various medical needs, the Foundation supported two blood plasma donation camps and undertook numerous health projects, including supplying medicines to psychiatric and medical hospitals in Gujarat and providing sanitation kits for prison inmates.
The lockdown had a severe impact on migrant workers and daily wage earners. To provide relief, the Foundation established kitchens across Maharashtra and Gujarat to offer daily access to healthy meals for those in need. Additionally, the Foundation partnered with the police department to distribute cooked food and dry ration kits to over 44,000 families without any income.
Beyond the medical issues, several other sectors suffered majorly, with education being a significant one. Students in rural areas faced challenges in continuing their studies due to a lack of digital resources. To address this, the Foundation provided its digital education programme to more than 15,000 students across various parts of Maharashtra, enabling them to continue their education.
