Philips Foundation reaches out to vulnerable communities in India amidst the COVID-19 crisis

New Delhi, India – Philips Foundation and Philips India are contributing to the emergency measures announced by state governments to support the testing of suspected coronavirus cases, their treatment, and ensuring the safety of healthcare workers. In addition, help is being given to support vulnerable communities impacted by the nationwide lockdown. For many, this has resulted in loss of livelihood.

This support – a joint effort of the Foundation with Philips India - is intended to address the current health crisis. The aim is to contain the coronavirus outbreak and undertake appropriate relief measures, also in the event of similar situations in the future. The first allocation made for COVID-19 relief includes funds for medical equipment for COVID-19 management facilities, migrant workers and vaccine development. At state level, funds are aimed at providing immediate relief, including the treatment of COVID-19 patients, people in distress and the economically vulnerable.  

“In these difficult times, we remain deeply committed to ensuring that vulnerable sections of society have their healthcare and other basic needs addressed as much as possible. In this regard, we will continue to extend our support, both directly and through our partners, in containing the spread and impact of COVID-19,” said Daniel Mazon, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Philips in the Indian Subcontinent.

India, the second-most populated country in the world with a population of 1.3 billion people, enforced a nationwide lockdown on March 25, 2020, to contain the spread of the coronavirus. This led to a massive number of people being stranded in the cities, leaving them without income or food supplies.

“As an organization with a mission to provide access to quality healthcare, we understand the challenges imposed upon disadvantaged communities by the COVID-19 crisis,” said Margot Cooijmans, Director of the Philips Foundation. “Given India’s large population, so much needs to be done to accelerate the emergency relief – from strengthening hospital facilities to providing primary and secondary medical care. With this support, we humbly want to be part of the help India needs to obtain the medical care and supplies to control the outbreak and extend logistical support to vulnerable people such as migrant workers.”

At country level, Philips has provided medical equipment to COVID-19 management facilities and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits for healthcare workers and hospital staff, to protect them from infection while managing COVID-19 cases. Through its employee giving program, support was also extended to several non-profit organizations, to help the most vulnerable parts of the population, including children living on the streets, elderly people, migrant workers and their families. Basic survival and healthcare necessities were provided, and awareness sessions on the prevention of COVID-19 were organized across different locations.