Former Team India cricketer Gautam Gambhir has once again pledged to donate another Rs 50 lakh to Delhi government for procurement of medical equipment to fight the coronavirus outbreak.
According to the recent ANI reports, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP has allocated the money from his MP Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) towards the Arvind Kejriwal-led government to help in the treatment of those affected by COVID-19.
Last month, Gambhir had donated Rs 50 lakh to the Delhi government for the purchase of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits and masks.
The former opener's decision to donate more funds came right after Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia had asked for additional funds from the centre to meet the growing demand for medical equipment at numerous state government hospitals.
In light of the heightened concern on the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in India, the country has been placed under complete lockdown for 21 days from March 24. Authorities have asked citizens to maintain strict social distancing to cut the spread of the virus outbreak.
Various other athletes have also come forward to help namely Indian sprinter Hima Das, who said that she will donate a month's salary to the Assam government's coronavirus relief fund. Team India cricketers Suresh Raina and Ajinkya Rahane have made a generous contribution to fighting against the virus.
Indian shuttler PV Sindhu, BCCI president Sourav Ganguly, and wrestler Bajrang Punia have also contributed towards the cause.
The global death toll has reached 69,444 while the total number of recorded cases worldwide are 1,273,990, according to John Hopkins University's tracker.
According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), there are 3940 confirmed cases of coronavirus cases in the country and 95 fatalities have been reported.