Apart from Delhi, there are plans to venture into Kolkata, Ranchi, Guwahati, Chennai, Hyderabad and Bengaluru
HealthCube, a point-of-care technology-enabled diagnostics service provider, will now enable the distribution of medical oxygen cylinders and concentrators under an initiative called OxygenForIndia. The company is the distribution partner in this initiative started by a group of individuals and organisations from a variety of backgrounds to raise funds for the cause. Currently operating out of Delhi, it will be expanded across Kolkata, Ranchi, Guwahati, Chennai, Hyderabad and Bengaluru in the days to come.
Through OxygenForIndia.Org, the aim is to raise $1,200,000 for providing 3,500 cylinders and 700 concentrators to those who need it the most. Within seven days after it was initiated, OxygenForIndia has received $500,000 in contributions. Around 50 medical oxygen cylinders were delivered to patients in Delhi and 50 oxygen cylinders are on their way.
Speaking about this, Dr Ramanan Laxminarayan, Founder, HealthCube and OxygenForIndia, said, “Some days ago, one of my colleagues nearly died due to lack of oxygen. The resultant anguish and the rush to arrange things made me realize that COVID-19 and the lack of oxygen is something that affects every one of us. Since there is no organized arrangement to supply oxygen concentrators and cylinders. This is why we decided to step in and founded OxygenForIndia and raising funds. We raised funds for 2500 cylinders and concentrators. I am pleased to say that we have been able to make good progress and aim to raise the required funds to support the supply of oxygen in these dire times. “
Adding further, Prashant Arukia, Vice President, HealthCube, said, “OxygenForIndia has been started at a time when people are not dying because they have critical COVID-19 but because there is a lack of access to medical oxygen. We wanted to solve this problem and ensure that medical oxygen reaches everyone who needs it at this point.”
Astha Singh, a Marketing Manager, who is also volunteering for OxygenForIndia said, “The disease is overrunning and overwhelming the health system. I urge everyone to contribute to the best of their capacity and ensure that together we alleviate the country from this pressing concern. Online donations can be made at oxygenforindia.org.”
