Grameen orgs step up to tackle Covid-19

The Grameen group of organisations have come forward with various initiatives to help combat the coronavirus crisis.

With a view to ensure safety and protection of doctors, nurses and all health workers, Grameen Fabrics and Fashion Ltd has manufactured 20,000 PPE and supplied those to different hospitals and medical centres. Production of another 10,000 PPE is currently underway, said a press release.

Besides, steps have been taken for the import of specific cloth and seam sealing tape, which will be used for manufacturing 20,000 PPE for doctors, nurses and health personnel performing duties in intensive care units (ICU). These raw materials are expected to arrive in the country by April 18, the release added.

Grameen Fabrics and Fashion is now working to produce a supply of 50,000 PPE including 20,000 pieces of the highest grade ones. These are being produced with the financial support of Grameen Telecom.

During the initial production, these PPE were distributed to Kurmitola General Hospital; Kuwait Maitree Hospital; Health Division of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport; Sir Salimullah Medical College and Mitford Hospital; Khulna Children's Hospital; Ambulance Owners Cooperative Society; Uttara Women's Medical College and Hospital; DSK Hospital; Swisscontact Bangladesh; Uttara Modern Hospital and Bangladesh Medical Association.

Along with that, within the next 10 days Grameen Telecom will receive 200,000 surgical masks; 50,000 N95 masks; 50,000 KN95 masks; 50,000 hand gloves and 10,000 protective goggles.

Grameen Telecom will supply such emergency equipment to doctors, nurses and health personnel nationally. These will be given to medical organisations and facilities after necessary consultation with relevant 

government authorities.

Enterprises who are facing any shortage of such equipment can contact info@grameentelecom.net.bd.

Preference will be given to those whose requirement is more urgent.

Meanwhile, to support those who are in need of food due to the nationwide lockdown to contain the spread of coronavirus, the organisation has also identified 2,500 families who have not received any aid from any other organisation or individual. These families will be given regular food supply until the virus outbreak is over.

Grameen Telecom, Grameen Telecom Trust and Grameen Kalyan -- the three Gramen organisations -- are providing the financial support so that Grameen can provide basic food items to these 2,500 families or 10,000 people until the epidemic is over.

Besides, local officers and staff members of Grameen organisations have taken the responsibility for a fixed number of families all over the country.