~Union Health Minister launches initiative by Smile Foundation, Ericsson Global Services India~
~Abhishek Singh, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, Delhi also graced the launch event~
New Delhi, November 15: Smile Foundation has launched a mega COVID Relief program in partnership with Ericsson Global Services India under the former’s Health Cannot Wait campaign. The collaboration aims to drive access to quality health for all. The COVID relief program was launched by Shri Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister, Health and Family Welfare.
The pandemic pressured the country’s public healthcare infrastructure and services. Over the period of the pandemic, through interventions from private and public organizations, India has successfully strengthened healthcare services and their delivery. Response to the second wave of the pandemic depended upon availability of steady oxygen supply. As India readies to face a third wave, Smile Foundation has partnered with Ericsson to eliminate the shortage of oxygen supply in hospitals and covid-care centers in the country by providing 148 Oxygen Concentrators across Maharashtra, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. The partnership will provide 2,33,766 RT PCR kits in 4 states, namely Maharashtra, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka.
While many faced health challenges, the underprivileged in India had to contend with additional socio-economic barriers, in the form of loss of work due to repeated lockdowns. To help slum dwellers and villagers survive another wave, Ericsson Global Services India and Smile Foundation will distribute 3,445 dry ration kits across Maharashtra, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and Karnataka.
Launching the initiative, Shri Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Chemicals and Fertilizers, Government of India said, “INSERT APPROVED QUOTE”
Santanu Mishra, Co-Founder and Executive Trustee, Smile Foundation said, “The pandemic has affected many who need care and attention. We have successfully provided immediate relief to covid patients and health workers by maintaining steady supply of oxygen and protective gear through the ‘Smile On Wheels’ initiative. We thank Ericsson Global Services India for collaborating with us and helping us make health a priority for all during the Covid-19 outbreak.”
Commenting on the partnership, Mr. Amitabh Ray, MD of Ericsson Global Services India said, “Insert Quote”.
Smile Foundation’s Health Cannot Wait campaign solicits long-term investment through donations to strengthen COVID care centers with critical supplies like oxygen cylinders, oximeters &oxygen concentrators. It entails the setting up of oxygen banks for critical patient support among vulnerable communities, mobilization of PPE Kits & N-95 Masks for frontline health workers, distribution of Hygiene Kits (including masks, soaps, sanitizers, oximeters), tele-counseling to dispel vaccine hesitancy, spread awareness on COVID-appropriate behavior and the provision of primary healthcare services.
So far, Smile Foundation has provided over 27.7 million meals to more than 200,000 families in 23 states of India. It aims to provide three square meals to more than 250,000 families and is working to provide 50,000 home isolation kits to Covid patients.
About Smile Foundation
Smile Foundation is an Indian development organization directly benefiting over 1.5 million children and families through more than 400 welfare projects on education, healthcare, livelihood, and women empowerment spread across 2,000 villages and slums in 25 states.
Media Contact:
Sreeparna Chakrabarty: [email protected]. | 9811502059
Website: http://www.smilefoundationindia.org/