In order to bolster the healthcare infrastructure that has come under pressure due the second wave of COVID-19 in Bengaluru, Fairfax Financial Holdings Group has provided the funding to set up COV-AID@BLR, a 150-bed, oxygenated COVID-19 treatment centre at BLR Airport. The facility would be operational on May 18, 2021.
The Fairfax-led initiative, in partnership with GiveIndia, is part-funded by Kempegowda International Airport Foundation (KIAF) – the foundation of Bangalore International Airport Limited. The initiative will be managed by Fairfax Financial Holdings Group’s investee companies – KIAF and Quess Corp Limited.
COV-AID@BLR, located near the Cargo Terminals at BLR Airport, would be equipped to treat patients with mild hypoxia (a condition in which the body or a region of the body is deprived of adequate oxygen supply at the tissue level). The facility is designed to be a transit oxygen delivery centre, which would provide much-needed relief and treatment for patients requiring oxygen support until they are able to get admission in a hospital.
The Centre would be equipped with a pharmacy, pathology unit, nurses’ station, rest rooms and a dining area. Suitable drinking water facilities and visitor areas are provided. An ambulance would be on standby 24×7 to cater to emergencies. The necessary arrangements would be made for safe disposal of waste, including bio-waste.
An eminent panel of doctors, including Dr. Naresh Shetty, Dr. Nandakumar Jairam and Dr. Alexander Thomas, would provide technical assistance in the functioning of the Centre. All staff, including doctors and nursing support would be provided by the GoK.
The initiative is funded by Fairfax Financial Holdings, through its subsidiary Fairfax India Holdings Corporation. The Canada-based group has committed US$5 million (Rs. 37 Crore) to provide COVID-19 relief in India.
Prem Watsa, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Fairfax Financial Holdings, said, “We are saddened by the current crisis in India resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. Fairfax wishes to assist India in traversing this incredibly difficult time and are hopeful that our commitment will provide some relief to India and its health-care system.”
COV-AID@BLR is seeking volunteer doctors, nurses, paramedics and other healthcare staff who are willing to offer support at the COVID-19 treatment centre at BLR Airport. Individuals able to manage data entry and other administrative services are also requested to volunteer. Volunteers will receive fair compensation. Interested individuals may reach out to Hemanth Madegowda on [email protected].
