A network of South Asian NHS leaders has mobilised their efforts as a voluntary staff network to raise over £46,000 (with Gift Aid) to support India’s healthcare response to Covid-19.
With one of the highest rates of Covid infections and deaths in the world, the South Asian NHS leaders’ group – APNA NHS (which translates to ‘Our NHS’) were deeply touched by the plight of family and colleagues in India as they struggled to cope with the Covid-19 pandemic. The £46,000 raised so far by their Covid India Crisis Appeal has been split between five frontline charities – Akshaya Patra, British Asian Trust, The Hope Foundation, Khalsa Aid and Sewa International.
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Jagtar Singh, a member of the APNA NHS staff network, said: “Thank you to everyone who has supported our fundraising appeal so far. Their generosity has helped APNA NHS staff network to get vital life-saving equipment (oxygen, ventilators, PPE) to those most impacted by the Covid pandemic in India.
“Throughout, we have worked closely with the Indian High Commission in Birmingham and have collaborated with both British and Indian clinicians in order to receive feedback and also to share mutual learning.
“We have been working with five charities to act as a vehicle to get critical resources to the places that need them most, quickly. We know all too well that the Covid crisis in India is a global crisis, and we are all passionate about playing our part to help the world beat this virus together.”
Pam Bhupal, another member of APNA NHS, added: “The Covid situation in India is still one of the worst in the world, and they still need our support. We are now focusing on supporting recovery, including the mass vaccinations programme, particularly with marginalised communities, and supporting mental health programmes, for orphans for example.
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“We are so grateful for all the support people have given – your donation, however large or small, is vital. Please continue to share our Virgin fundraising page with your friends and networks.”
APNA NHS is a staff network of leaders from a South Asian Heritage who work in the National Health Service (NHS). It acts as a platform for its members to have their collective voices heard through collaboration and active engagement to drive positive outcomes across the healthcare sector. In conjunction with the Asian Fire Service Association (AFSA), they have come together to support those that are being impacted by Covid-19 in India.
*Info: Apna NHS
