Welfare organisations redirect Covid efforts

The coronavirus-induced lockdowns, which were first enforced in March this year, saw the closure of various businesses. Businesses collapsed and thousands were put out of jobs around the provincial capital. Where on the one end, these times of tribulation tested the forbearance of many, what also came to fore were many acts of welfare and charity by several individuals and organisations working towards Covid-19 relief.

Increased public awareness between the two waves of the virus has made tackling with the second Covid-19 spell easier than the first. However, those involved in service believe there is yet a lot to be done and a new set of challenges to overcome if the city of 20 million is to be saved from another shutdown.

According to Al-Khidmat Pakistan Executive Director Rashid Qureshi, his organisation, a local charity, has been at the helm of relief operations ever since the first lockdown. “The difference is, back then, a majority of the people were in dire need of ration packages and personal protective equipment (PPE) since all business was completely suspended and many had lost their sources of income. Now, in time of the pandemic’s second wave, people have been able to retain their sources of income but there is a severe need of oxygen cylinders for Covid-19 patients. Which is why we have also started providing free oxygen cylinders as part of our relief efforts,” he informed.

Speaking in the same vein, Chhipa Welfare Association’s Head Ramzan Chhipa said that despite having distributed as many as 300,000 ration bags so far, their organisation is still providing assistance where and when needed. “However, it is true that the greatest demand right now is for the provision of oxygen, which has become our foremost priority in the second wave,” he expressed.

Similarly, Saylani Welfare Trust, another local charity focusing primarily on feeding the homeless, has also redirected its Covid-19 relief operations to provide free oxygen, food, rescue equipment and other supplies to hospitals and Covid-19 wards.

Speaking about the rise in Covid-19 infections, Ahmed Raza of Al-Mustafa Welfare Trust said that people have now started flouting virus protocols and SOPs advised by the government. He projected that if the situation continues to persist, Karachi could very soon go into another enforced lockdown, which may once again render many people jobless and in need of rations.

“We have to be extremely careful in these times. The city cannot afford another complete lockdown and it can only be avoided if people maintain social distance and follow SOPs,” he said.

Speaking to The Express Tribune Zafar Abbas of Jaffaria Disaster Management Cell (JDC) said that his organisation had set up a free-of-cost hospital for Covid-19 patients, in advance of the virus’ second wave. “Although we distributed several thousand bags of ration to several thousand families during the first lockdown, today our efforts are required in a different capacity. In addition to that, JDC is now also working to rehabilitate people affected by the pandemic as well as rendering our services in various hospital wards, as and when required,” he informed.

Similarly, Faisal Edhi of the Edhi Foundation said that what’s needed right now is an integrated plan to rehabilitate coronavirus patients. For which, he said, the government will have to join hands with the various NGOs already working towards the cause in their limited capacities.

Meanwhile, according to Shakeel Dehlavi, joint secretary of Alamgir Welfare Trust International, the NGO-government collaboration will also be required at time of provision of Covid-19 vaccines, to make the cure equally accessible for everyone. “The government should set up a fund to which philanthropists can donate, and use the funds to buy coronavirus vaccines. The acquired vaccines should then be provided to every Pakistani free of charge to protect them from the contagion,” he opined while speaking to The Express Tribune.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 27^th, 2020.