India is facing a dire healthcare crisis from a rapid rise in COVID-19 cases. This increase in infections has overwhelmed the healthcare system, especially in the capital of New Delhi and other major cities such as Mumbai.
To address this challenge, India needs immediate assistance responding to the current crisis, as well as longer-term support to arrest transmission rates. The alarming situation in India is a stark reminder of the devastating effects the pandemic can have on any nation and its most vulnerable populations. We need to be diligent in our efforts to help and support other countries as well.
Based on consultations with central and state government officials in India, as well as non-governmental experts and hospital executives whose employees are on the front lines, we have gathered a list of critical supplies needed to tackle these challenges:
IMMEDIATE HEALTH NEEDS
(as of June 11, 2021)
-
Infrastructure
- Build makeshift hospitals and the technical support to build these quickly
- Expand bed capacity, especially in smaller cities
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Supplies
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Strengthen oxygen supply chain and expand capacity for:
-
Transporting oxygen:
- Oxygen with 10 litres and 45 litres LMO capacity (Liquid Medical Oxygen Capacity)
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Generating oxygen closer to areas of need, for example:
- Oxygen generator plants (in case of oxygen generator plants, detailed specifications and requirements might also be provided. It may also be indicated whether technical persons will be sent to help in installation of such plant)
- Oxygen concentrators
- ISO cryogenic oxygen tanker/container
-
Transporting oxygen:
- Vaccines
- COVID-19 diagnostic test kits
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Strengthen oxygen supply chain and expand capacity for:
-
Medical devices and supplies that support respiratory intervention support:
- BiPAP machines
- Ventilators
- Zeolite crystals (adsorbent in oxygen plants)
- ECMO machines
-
Medical drugs, specifically:
- Remdesivir
- Tocilizumab
- AMPHOTERICIN B injection
- POSACONAZOLE injection
The Indian Ministry of Corporate Affairs has announced that all spending by corporates related to setting up makeshift hospitals and temporary COVID-19 care facilities will be considered under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities.
CASH DONATIONS
For direct cash donations, you can reach out to the following organizations:
- Airlink
- American India Foundation
- Americares
- CARE
- Direct Relief
- GiveIndia
- PM-CARES Fund (Prime Minister's Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situation Fund)
- Pratham USA
- Project HOPE
- UNICEF
We will continue to update this list as more information and resources become available. For any questions, please reach out to ccc@uschamber.com.