Andheri society scores 100% on vaccination, Covid response

MUMBAI: Stories of housing societies that triumphed over the Covid challenge often have the common element of unity. Gundecha Symphony at Veera Desai Road, Andheri West, is a living testimony to this.
On October 15, this society of 195 flats was awarded a certificate of merit by the BMC for achieving 100% vaccination of its residents.
Anjana Kummar, an active volunteer of the society said, “Right after the lockdown was implemented, our society formed a ‘Covid task force’. We aligned with suppliers of daily essentials so that residents would not need to step out.”
At a time when infected families were being stigmatised in their colonies, this society thoughtfully delivered cooked meals to Covid-affected households.
The society’s senior citizens received special care and attention. Not only were their daily requirements met at the doorstep, but even vaccination was provided in the comfort of their homes. As for the 25 support staff, including watchmen and maids, they were housed in the parking area and club house, and cooked meals were prepared for them by the 195 families of the society in rotation. Kummar said, “Their boarding and lodging was managed completely by the residents. This was to keep their families safe. If any of them fell sick, they were quarantined here or in BMC centres, and their health updates were shared with their families.” The society ensured hospitalisation and oxygen for all who required it in coordination with BMC.
The multi-pronged approach even addressed issues of boredom that confined residents were facing. Online tambola was organised, and “corridor parties” were held where people shared conversations over food and drink seated in the society corridor, with chairs placed a few feet apart.
More recently, Gundecha Symphony has made vaccination its new mission. Camps have been held in association with BSES Hospital, Andheri, not just for residents, but also service personnel and nearby shopkeepers. One camp, in fact, covered 1,800 people. The society sponsored the shots for its workers. The fruits of its labour were realised on October 15, when it received a certificate for achieving 100% vaccination.