NEW DELHI: With the second wave of COVID-19 overwhelming the healthcare system, Cargill has committed US$1.5 million for COVID-19 relief and recovery efforts through regional partnerships for the broader community and employee care. To support the country’s health infrastructure, Cargill in partnership with United Way of India, Magic Bus India Foundation and Technoserve, is collaborating with the local administration to address COVID-19 needs in tier 1 & 2 cities.
The relief and rehabilitation work includes setting up medical oxygen units, donating advanced life support ambulances, medical supplies and equipment including oxygen concentrators paired with distributing food and hygiene kits for communities and employees across 22 cities in India, the company said.
Over the past two months, Cargill, in collaboration with local administration and other stakeholders, identified the need for medical oxygen units in multiple locations and committed to set-up up at least 3 medical oxygen units in the country. In the initial phase of deployment, the medical oxygen units are getting commissioned in hospitals and community health centers of Kurkumbh (Maharashtra), Gurgaon (Delhi NCR) and Bangalore (Karnataka). All these locations play a significant role in providing timely medical interventions to urban and rural populations in and around these hospitals.
In addition to this, the company has been actively working towards distributing emergency medical support kits and equipment like ventilators, flowmeter, ICU beds, oxygen cylinders and oxygen concentrators to the hospitals and community health care centers in cities in Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Punjab and others. The company also donated 3 Advance Life Support ambulances to the District Health & Family Welfare Department, the State of Karnataka to strengthen the health system in the Davangere district of Karnataka.
Many people faced hardships in getting essential and medical supplies during the second wave of COVID-19. To combat these hardships, Cargill distributed over 2600 food kits along with 500 hygiene kits in several locations, the company said.
“We are inspired by the medical professionals, first responders, workers, farmers and nonprofit organizations in our communities across India who are making sure our essential needs are met during this challenging time. As a responsible corporate, together with our partners, we continue to support our employees, their families, and communities during these difficult times of pandemic,” said Simon George, president, Cargill India.
United Way India has been the long-standing CSR partner of Cargill India, and through this partnership, we were able to create a measurable impact during the COVID crisis, with meaningful interventions. Thanks to Cargill India’s timely support, we could provide hospitals with critical infrastructure and arrange for ration and hygiene kits for underserved communities to help them” said Jayanti Shukla, Chief Executive Officer, United Way of India.
Employee Care
Cargill has worked to ensure a culture of care by rolling out a series of measures to support all its employees including an Employee Disaster Relief Fund, vaccination drives across our manufacturing and office locations, enhanced medical insurance coverage and financial support.
Prioritizing the health and mental well-being, Cargill set up 6 employee support centers led by employee volunteers who work 24/7 to assist their colleagues with medical and financial aid, daily wellness checks in through automated IVR calls, teleconsultation with specialized doctors and external medical service providers for all its employees. The company has facilitated vaccination drives for all its employees and their extended families, which has been initiated across different locations including Bangalore, Pune, Delhi NCR and others.
Cargill is also extending insurance coverage under Corona Kavach, in addition to the existing Group Medical Insurance Cover, which is targeted at home medical care expenses. In partnership with Apollo Home Care, Cargill is also introducing home care packages for employees in home isolation and providing financial support to employees with up to Rs. 300,000 as salary advance.
