CONTEXT

We are in the midst of the second wave of COVID. Unlike 2020, there is a heavy burden on the healthcare system. There is a lack of hospital beds, oxygen, medication at certain pockets in the country and people are frantically looking for help. However, there is also a lot of goodness and solidarity happening around. Many would like to volunteer to help, but not sure how to go about doing it. There is a lot of information, websites, apps, both government and civil society groups, trying to make a difference. In this context, CHAI is sharing some necessary information for its collaborators to get involved and make a difference during this COVID crisis.

GUIDELINES

• CHAI will not be responsible for all that is happening through these platforms. You will have to figure out what is the best platform to work with.
• CHAI will not be responsible for your safety and protection. You will have to figure out what is feasible for you and take responsibility for your safety while getting involved.
• Everyone is very busy, stressed and handling multiple calls. Sometimes they take time to respond or cannot call back. Be patient when dealing with families, patients, vendors, hospital staff, etc.
• If they don’t respond on phone (especially vendors), WhatsApp them or keep trying.
• Officials are cracking down on those who share info that leads to black-market vendors. Always give a disclaimer (E.g. The availability of the resources mentioned is subject to change. We do not condone any black market practices and you must verify prices yourself, by discussing with the vendor directly. Please do not make advance payments or any financial transactions before verifying everything at your end.)
• Most supplies (beds, oxygen, medicines) are finishing very fast. You need to check availability in real-time and then respond to requests before sharing info.

WAYS TO VOLUNTEER

• Beds, Oxygen, Medicines, Home Nurses, Food facilities, Ambulances, Cabs, are all areas that are needed. Requests are pouring in on social media. Get together a group of volunteers and use existing sources (sites, twitter, instagram, etc.) to search for solutions and respond after verification.
• Local NGOs are helping in various cities by delivering food, oxygen, support to patients. This information is given below and will be regularly updated. You can also assist the same organizations financially.
• Follow accounts on Twitter / IG that are collating information. You can help them verify/respond to the requests they amplify.
• https://covid19-twitter.in/ – an excellent way to search Twitter for requests and availability. Check requests on Twitter, source solutions from various sites, verify and respond to the request.
• Sign up with existing apps/sites to volunteer with them (some options are given below).
• Verify sources being shared on WhatsApp groups: call and verify the information and shut down fake/outdated information.

SOME SOURCES

Social Media – particularly Twitter and Instagram – are the best sources at present for real-time information. A few other sources are given below; but please verify that the information is updated and correct before sharing in response to a request:
covid19-twitter.in
covidrelief.glideapp.io
linktr.ee/COVID19support.India
covidplasma.online
hyd covidresources.com
indiacovidresources.in
covidbedsindia.in
covidbeds.info
life.coronasafe.network
covid.army
covidhelplinebangalore.com
covidelhi.com
so.city/covid19
external.sprinklr.com  
coviddelhi.com

You may access these sites / groups directly.

PLACES YOU CAN VOLUNTEER

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INTERNATIONAL

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Oxygen Concentrators – Khalsa Aid

Khalsa Aid has arranged for hundreds to Oxygen Concentrators to be flown to India. You can assist by donating an Oxygen Concentrator or help them financially. For how you can help, see image below and visit https://twitter.com/khalsa_aid
For USA : https://twitter.com/KhalsaAidUSA

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Oxygen Concentrators

At present, you can buy an Oxygen Concentrator from your country of residence and FedEx / DHL it to your family / hospital / NGO etc. in India. This has already been done by individuals from Dubai, Singapore etc. Please check specifications from your resident country for this.

More options will be updated shortly.

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PAN INDIA

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Medical Professionals for Medical Helpline (Training will be provided)

Medical Helpline for Covid is a voluntary response from healthcare workers and allied professionals to address the rising number of people who require advice and support during their Covid illness.

ANY doctor who want to support and respond to people who need help in COVID-19 management at home through the helpline may kindly enroll via this link below:

https://tinyurl.com/Covid-Helpline-Volunteer

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Project Step One

“How can I help reduce the suffering due to Covid in India?”, if this question bothers you as well, then here’s your answer:
With just an hour of your time, volunteer to guide patients navigate the illness, understand the treatment, and help save lives.
Sign up at: http://bit.ly/TakeStepOneNow

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Good Food Project

The Good Food Project offers meals and other essential services to crematorium workers. They are always looking for volunteers to deliver meals and coordinate. You don’t have to be from Delhi to volunteer. You can join their group by clicking the link their bio at Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/goodfood_project/

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Online Volunteering

Any of the sites above could use more volunteers. Connect with them directly and volunteer your time. A few examples

https://linktr.ee/COVID19support.India – Drop your resources or leads. Connect with them on IG to join the volunteer team.

https://hydcovidresources.com – Assist on the chat function in the app or connect with them on IG and find out how to join the team.

https://covidrelief.glideapp.io/ – connect with them and explore options for volunteering.

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Plasma Donation
Even though there is insufficient data to recommend for or against the use of plasma for treatment, there are several requests across India. Those who are willing to donate plasma, please sign up at the link below and they will coordinate to connect you to those in need.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScMjk7hlK9cBcFmqqsdsMY5K6ImHV7oH0rBBBJRUel7nknU_Q/viewform

Instagram: @covidaidresources

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DELHI

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Hemkunt Foundation

This organization has been arranging and providing oxygen cylinders since the beginning of this crisis. Their office is in Gurugram. They requested volunteers on 28^th April. Those who wish to volunteer can still try at their office or assist them financially.  

Instagram: @hemkunt_foundation
Twitter @Hemkunt_Fdn
Facebook @hemkuntfoundation
Whatsapp: 99906 91313

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Oxygen Supply – Volunteers

Message release date : 01/05/21

Due to the extreme demand for oxygen in Delhi, most of the suppliers are getting numerous calls & they are not approachable over a call anymore.

In order to help people in distress, we have formed a team of volunteers who are stationed at different sites across Delhi / NCR to give us real-time updates of where oxygen stock is available and cylinders are being filled at that point in time. Places where the volunteers are still not in place, we have tried and established a reliable source in the vicinity of the outlet. They help us with updates during these hours in real-time so that we can guide people to the nearest place to get Oxygen. 

IF YOU HAVE A RESOURCE TO SPARE YOU CAN ASK THEM TO 

1. Visit the above location yourself and verify availability in advance.

2. Stand or request anyone to stand in cue on your behalf early morning.

If you want to volunteer and are willing to be stationed at an oxygen supply point to update real-time stock information, contact them on https://www.facebook.com/Oxygen-in-Delhi-NCR-104656971780159

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GURUGRAM Relief Work

Calling residents of Gurugram who are willing to volunteer for relief work, including providing meal services.

Sign up here: Gurgaon Relief Volunteer Sign up

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BANGALORE

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Hospital Volunteers

Archdiocese of Bangalore invites YOUTH VOLUNTEERS to assist the Hospitals in these times of crisis. There will be a training program; but those who wish to join immediately can also do so.
Services expected: To serve food & water to the patients and assist the hospitals in non-medical assistance. Talking to patients maintaining social distance.
Duration: 6 -7 hours a day any one shift; could volunteer for 2-3 days, a week or more;
Food & Accommodation: Accommodation is arranged at St. Camillus Study House, Upasana, Balaji Nagar, Dharmaram College Post, Bengaluru-29, near Christ School. Food will be served. To & fro travel to accommodation place & Hospital is arranged.
Precautions: Volunteers will be trained on how to be in the hospitals & also after the duty hours (self quarantine, etc.); PPE Kit will be provided; All Volunteers will be guided, accompanied & monitored by Health Staff and ID Card will be provided.

We need dedicated & committed people for this noble task
For more details contact:
Fr Anil, Youth Director 9481585219; Nevin, ICYM DEXCO – 7829777135 or Fr Baby Ellickal MI, Provincial, Camillian Fathers – 9448084061
Join the Covid Volunteer WhatsApp group: https://chat.whatsapp.com/EcSY01MtK5cBY14Kcmbm4z

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Support Children whose parents are affected by Covid

A community of schools has decided to focus efforts on the needs of children that are having their worlds turn upside down due to parents falling sick or even losing parents. Keeping in mind that Bangalore is a city with a large number of nuclear families, they are preparing for the worst and to figure out how to help where required. To know the requirements to volunteer, please read this document.

And to sign up to volunteer: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfoj7Z7ctEPrXuFZTXtCPzxa8HEiHOJ3Lfv07YDTCD_-oM7og/viewform

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Medical Professionals

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Corona Care Bengaluru

Corona Care Bengaluru is providing ready made food for COVID affected persons and families. It is an initiative of various leading NGOs in Bangalore like Hope, Breads, Echo, Aifo and Good Quest Foundation. You can volunteer to join the team in preparing food, delivering it or coordination.
Contact person: Sibu George : +91 94480 71973

Coordinator : Fr George Kannanthanam

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TAMIL NADU

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To sign up to volunteer for the Covid19 Unified Command Center – Chennai: bit.ly/covidtf_ch

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GOA

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Volunteer with the Department of Health Services, Goa.
Ensure you read the requirement for volunteers outlined in the form (link below). Please fill out the form if you’d be willing to help, or share widely so the required resources can be gathered. – Kheya Melo Furtado, Ph.D., Goa Institute of Management
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd7vwXzni525AdoTQfPpJqL5jBlqsWoTOx0mgckiFjv98fziA/viewform

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PATNA

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An opportunity to serve the country during the Pandemic.
Kurji Holy Family Hospital is looking for volunteers for their 

1. Help Desk
2. Vaccination Centres
3. Dietary / Kitchen
4. Deliver food at wards
5. Moving O2 Cylinders
PPE kits and food will be provided. Volunteers will be called in shifts x 2 during the daytime only. Doctors and Nurses are also required
To sign up to help, apply here https://forms.gle/gvZ3RYmisLzQuzBF7
For more details, please contact Fr Amalraj +91 94302 18158

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Other options will be added shortly.

If you know of other volunteer options or ways to help; or need clarifications on this, please send the details to 72599 22711 – Whatsapp or [email protected] and we will amplify.

SUMMARY

1. Many vaccines use cell lines derived from aborted human foetuses at some stage in their research and production. As abortion is immoral, Catholics need to publicly advocate for the development, testing and production of vaccines that do not use cell lines from the aborted foetuses.
2. Those who take the available vaccines have only a ‘remote’ and ‘passive’ cooperation with the use of cell lines from aborted human foetuses and with the development, production and testing of these vaccines. The vaccines do not contain foetal cells. Because of the moral distance from the evil act, these vaccinations are not immoral. Thus, Catholics can receive these vaccines in good conscience. Due to the serious nature of the disease, and deaths involving vulnerable groups, vaccination can also contribute to the control of the pandemic and the common good.
3. Vaccine programs for COVID must keep in mind issues of social justice. It is important to be aware of the proposed vaccine program and advocate active participation. Individuals and institutions must play their part to ensure that the vaccine reaches all beneficiaries, particularly the vulnerable and marginalised. The universal destination of goods requires a common effort, to obtain for every person and for all peoples the conditions necessary for integral development so that all can benefit from, and contribute to, a humane world.
4. Contrary to some views, the Catholic Church is not anti-science. However, it strongly believes that there are moral concerns with science and its applications. Catholics need to be aware of the moral implications of scientific developments and evaluate them in the light of Church teachings.
5. Every individual must diligently follow current public health preventive guidelines for the COVID-19 pandemic in order to protect oneself and others around them. This is a reflection of our solidarity with others who can be protected by these actions. The stigmatisation of individuals who are ill or unvaccinated is harmful to the individual and society.
6. It is important for individuals to access reliable information from valid sources and disseminate only such information, cognisant that false information is detrimental to efforts to control the pandemic. We must search within ourselves and as institutions, for ways in which we can enhance the collective effort to address the pandemic for the benefit of all, especially the poor, vulnerable and marginalised.

(The above summary is of the paper “A Catholic Ethical Response to Questions About Covid-19 Vaccines” prepared by Bioethics Forum of the Archdiocese of Bangalore, on behalf of Conference of Catholic Bishops of India, General Secretariat, CCBI Centre, Post Box No.8490, Hutchins Road, 2nd Cross, Bangalore- 560 084 Email: [email protected])

Click here to read the entire document

About the Author:
Sr Dr Beena UMI belongs to the Congregation of Ursulines of Mary Immaculate. She obtained her MBBS and MS Degree in Obstetrics and Gynaecology from St. John’s Medical College, Bangalore-India. She has a Diploma in Minimal Access Surgery from World Laparoscopy Hospital Gurgaon and Fellowship in Laparoscopic surgery from Kiel University Germany. She Completed Certificate course in Healthcare design and implementation from Melbourne University, Australia. Presently she is the Deputy Director of the Holy Family Hospital and also works as a Consultant Gynaecologist Her other responsibilities include Provincial Councillor for Medical Apostolate of Sacred Heart Province of UMI Sisters, National President of the Sister Doctors Forum of India, Health secretary for the Mumbai Archdiocese.

BEGINNING OF THE JOURNEY

My journey with COVID 19 pandemic began in February 2020, when I heard about the first few COVID cases in India. Initially, I was gripped with fear and anxiety as I knew very well what had happened in China and Italy. I was also not sure about how we will be able to manage this crisis, given Indian socioeconomic context and fragile health care infrastructure.

The management committee of our hospital, Holy Family Mumbai, recognized that coronavirus is going to be a major pandemic and would severely affect our country, especially Mumbai. Planning and follow up action immediately began. We were one of the first hospitals to follow infection control measures, including fever clinics and training. As more cases were reported across the city we started to offer triage and referral services, when many hospitals went into lockdown in fear of the pandemic. Later in mid-March, we procured high quality personal protective equipment (PPE), to provide the best possible protection to our medical team. Several rounds of intensive training and motivation building sessions were conducted regularly for doctors as well as for other employees. At the same time, standard operative protocols were prepared.

It took almost one month to operationalise the COVID -19 ward and ICU since the regulations with regards to isolation wards required major changes in our existing set-up. We were one of the first hospitals to partner with the government in the battle against COVID-19 when we signed an official MOU with local authorities (MCGM) and started a COVID care centre. Thereafter, we allotted 25 beds in the hospital exclusively for the care of the patients which included 12 ICU beds. Today, due to the spiralling number of cases in Mumbai city, on an average, daily we are caring for about 130 COVID positive patients with 26 of them on ventilators.

JOYFUL EXPERIENCES

Every Healthcare worker at the forefront of the war against coronavirus are not only facing the daunting task of handling patients, but are also fighting to keep their own worries and emotional stress at bay.

So, what motivates doctors to keep working under such strenuous conditions? First of all when a patient recovers and becomes COVID negative it really lifts our spirits and motivates us to do better work and serve our patients and nation when it is needed the most. My personal experience as a practicing doctor was challenging as well exciting.

The joy of saving a life: I can very vividly remember an incident. A 71year old patient was brought to our emergency with the complaints of breathlessness and fever. On examination he was in altered sensorium and had oxygen saturation of 58%. He was resuscitated and stabilised in casualty, later shifted to ICU and put on ventilator.  It took almost two weeks for him to recover completely.  After his discharge when he came to whisper a note of thanks, I was moved by his gesture, indeed a rewarding moment for the entire medical team.  As tears rolled down my cheeks, I savoured the joy of saving one life – a feeling much beyond any other joys in life.

The joy of alleviating suffering: I also had an opportunity to assist the birthing process of one of my COVID positive pregnant woman. Wearing a PPE kit and conducting the delivery was a new experience for me.  As I finished the delivery, with folded hands and tears in her eyes she expressed her gratitude to me. It was such a blissful experience for me. This experiences etched a lasting impression, which shall remain green in my memory and fresh in my heart. There is always a sense of fulfilment and satisfaction amidst all the fatigue and exhaustion of this harrowing times.

The joy of sharing best practices with others: All these were a great learning curve for me. I also got an opportunity to share my knowledge and few of the best practices and with the other hospitals in our network through two webinars which were organised by Catholic Health Association of India. I am also a member of the crises management cell of the Arch Diocese of Mumbai, which holds regular meetings to review the situation as well as the catholic response to corona pandemic. I too am in a way getting enriched as I contribute my expertise and experience, in a time when it’s needed the most.

The joy of giving leadership: Another pioneering involvement with COVID -19 began, when I was invited by Catholic Health Association of India to partner in a project named Corona Care Life.   This was a web based platform with call centre facility for anyone who wanted to talk about the corona virus over phone. Infected people looking for comfort and support or people with fear and suspicion about their own condition could avail this facility.  An online platform was launched to provide counselling session in different languages jointly by CHAI, Project vision, Billion lives, Sister Doctor’s forum of India and several other organizations.  I coordinated this activity among the Sister Doctors. Some of the sister Doctors volunteered for this generously, to reach out to others with compassion and kindness.  

PAINFUL EXPERIENCES

Having shared the joyful stories let me also share the challenges faced by healthcare workers and hospitals. To put on the personal protective kit and to work in the isolation ward is a unique experience.   Once the personal protective equipment (PPE) is donned, one cannot eat, drink or use the washrooms till the duty shift ends, which is of 6 hours duration or more.

The suffocating PPE: Wearing PPE, N 95 mask, goggles and face shield, gives a suffocating feeling to most of us. Many a time, misting of protective goggles causes blurring of vision. After donning we have to speak loudly in order to be audible, and it becomes very tiring to communicate with patients and other team members in the medical team, resulting in frequent fatigue. In addition to this, a lot of information has to be given on telephone, as anxious relatives can’t come to Isolation ward. Besides this, the weather in Mumbai is so hot and humid that we are drenched in sweat within minutes after wearing the PPE. Which makes it becomes really hard to move around. With all these difficulties, no wonder the frontline warriors of the COVID-19 are feeling exhausted and stressed out.

Anxiety of the caregivers and their parents: There’s a lot of anxiety among family members of our medical team who are far away in their homes. Ever since the COVID- 19 numbers rose high in India, there are horrifying news about Mumbai in many news channels. Many of our nursing staff from southern India are compelled by their parents to resign from their job.  This is an additional burden on us. Along with other members of management team I had to spend a lot of time to listen, reassure and motivate them. Some of them even had to miss important family celebrations and events. Few of our nurses also had to postpone their own wedding dates. I wonder whether any one will remember their sacrifices and selfless service, in caring for the sick and suffering humanity.

Caregivers contracting infection: About a month ago a doctor and 3 Nuns from my team, started showing COVID symptoms they tested positive and were admitted to the same isolation ward. The news of their sickness shook me. I was distressed and anxious.  On the one hand the worries about their wellbeing, and on the other hand, the fear of contracting the illness. I was stressed about the COVID ward management with acute shortage of human resources. That’s the time we developed a strategy and backup plan for human resource constrains.

Pressure from activists and media: Mumbai has some of the finest health facilities and doctors. Yet certain times it is difficult to manage. We have also refused patients due to non-availability of beds.  It is unfortunate that we were pressurised by some media houses and activists to admit COVID positive patients even during non-availability of beds.  This was not only stressful, but the misinformation and biased partial truth fed through newspapers and social media, has had a negative and demotivating impact on our personnel who are dedicated even beyond the call of duty.  It is extremely sad that doctors and medical staff, who are the frontline warriors in the fight against the Pandemic, are at the receiving end of threatening calls from these activists and agitated relatives.

EXPERIENCING THE DIVINE IN THE MIDST OF CRISIS 

While COVID 19 global crisis has caused much anxiety, suffering and uncertainty, this also was a time of intense prayer for us. Many of our Sister’s communities offered special prayers for us. Their prayer and support helped us to gather courage, wisdom and strength in these days of trials. I experienced God’s providence and protection in a tangible way as we received spiritual and material support from many friends, well-wishers and benefactors. Their generosity and magnanimity helped our hospital to steer ahead even when we had suffered financial crises. The powerful presence of the Divine Healer and his miraculous healing touch is experienced by all of us, especially our patients as they restored back to health and wholeness.

Amidst all these challenges we are committed to the fight this deadly Pandemic. The exceptional courage, heroic commitment, relentless efforts, and yeomen service rendered by many of the health care workers to combat COVID 19, is commendable and praiseworthy. I hope and pray that very soon we will be able to find the light at the end of the tunnel. Mary, mother of the afflicted, continue to pray for us, that we may be protected, comforted and guided, in this difficult journey.