The foundation has taken the initiative of starting Anaaj+ programme to be implemented by the Corona Warriors, wherein the warriors will support a few families through their own money & through those in their networks, it will bring much needed relief to the underprivileged.The program entails distribution of ration and essential items kit worth INR 1,100 each to households in slums of Mumbai. Each kit includes 5 kg rice, 5 kg wheat flour, lentils, sugar, salt, tea leaves, and soaps and anyone can adopt a slum.
Wockhardt Foundation is working towards the upliftment of poor and needy people through its various other programs like Little Hearts, Pronto Toilet, Pronto Bio Toilet, E-Learning, Khel Khel Mein, Wockhardt Skills Development Institute, SHUDHU water purification tablets. Dr. Huz, CEO, Wockhardt Foundation shared his views and recent development works.
Briefly explain key initiatives undertaken by the Wockhardt Foundation especially in the current times, to help society deal with the pandemic situation?
The pandemic and the lockdowns led to people losing not only their lives but also their livelihoods, many were unable to afford the essentials required to run a household. The plight of the underprivileged during these unfortunate and difficult times led to the start of the Anaaj+ programme which aimed to provide one month’s grocery and toiletry supplies to families living in the slums of Mumbai.
Please tell us more about the Anaaj+ program and how it has helped various sections of the society? How can one become a part of the initiative?
This programme provided underprivileged families with one month’s supply of groceries and toiletry items like atta, rice, pulses, oil, sugar, salt, soap etc. The cost per kit is Rs. 1100 per family. This programme is undertaken in partnership with various corporate and individual corona warriors. Till date, 4730 kits have been distributed in various slums in Mumbai.
Corporates can also partner with us and sponsor families as part of their CSR activities.
What has been the response for COVID testing camps conducted by WF, all over India? Please share the numbers specific to different regions.
We have one Covid testing van in Lucknow. Over the past few months, more than 1000 people were tested in partnership with an ICMR approved lab and according to the guidelines laid down by them.
Explain about the Mobile Medical Van initiative (Mobile 1000). How has it been helping the health facilities in rural areas?
The rural and remotest parts of India have inaccessible and inadequate healthcare facilities. Most doctors are based out of urban areas. The Mobile 1000 programme is our flagship programme. This initiative aims to provide free primary healthcare to the doorstep of those living in rural India through mobile medical vans. These vans have a doctor, driver, pharmacist and are equipped with medicines and other medical equipment. It covers the ADCR formula of healthcare delivery, i.e. Awareness, Diagnosis, Cure and Referrals. Besides providing medicines, these vans aid in early or timely diagnosis and treatment of illnesses, patients needing specialist care are referred to the nearest medical facilities. We currently have 204 mobile medical vans operating in 22 states in India.
Share the mission and vision behind the ‘World Peacekeepers Movement’ and how many peace ambassadors do you already have onboard?
The vision of ‘The World Peacekeepers Movement’ (TWPM) is to spread world peace through the formation of the world’s largest army – The World Peace Army. The movement, which is based on the enlightening concept of The World Peace Triangle, representing intellectual depth, emotional appeal and practical realism, currently has 1.9 million peacekeepers. The first and basic level of The World Peace Triangle is ‘peace with oneself’ which entails the practicing of the 7 peace values such as gratitude, forgiveness, love, humility, giving, patience and truth. We have 75 celebrity World Peace Ambassadors that are associated with this cause.