Hyderabad: Volunteers resort to crowdfunding to help Covid positive patients

HYDERABAD: With hospitals facing shortage of beds, volunteer groups had now started crowdfunding to establish isolation centres for Covid-19 patients with mild symptoms.
As hospitals are charging astronomical amounts for Covid-19, these groups have taken it upon themselves to set up isolation centres that are not only free but are also accessible to a larger part of the society.
The Covid-19 Surge Impact Alliance has started an online crowdfunding campaign, wherein they have sought funds to start free isolation centres for patients in Hyderabad with a capacity of 30-50 beds.
The centre will provide basic care under the observation of paramedical staff to people not needing hospitalisation and reduce the burden on hospitals.
“Primary beneficiaries would be people who don’t need critical care. The facility will be for people from the weaker sections of the society. We intend to have 20 percent of the total capacity as oxygen beds,” said Raj Janagam, spokesperson of Covid-19 Surge Impact Alliance, which has also associated with corporates to raise funds for their initiative. The alliance has been able to raise Rs 5.51 lakh in the last few days and has a target of Rs one crore.
Similarly, Feed the Needy, has started an online crowdfunding campaign to set up additional beds at Government Area Hospital, Kondapur. “We are aiming to raise $50,000 to provide the hospital with oxygen concentrators. These concentrators will help countless poor souls and their families from grave distress with the current hapless conditions. Any surplus funds that we collect will be used to help families in need,” said Pradeep Gadicherla of Feed the Needy, who initiated the campaign. They have raised about $15,000 (Rs 11.06 lakh) so far.
These groups are being supported by the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation, resident welfare associations and corporates to establish Covid-19 isolation centres in several areas.