Shaheen P Parshad
Amritsar: With a view to give succor to children aged 10 years and below who have been orphaned by COVID-19, Punjab Medical Council member Dr Ashok Uppal and also Founder of Amritsar-based Uppal Neuro Hospital has announced financial relief to the tune of Rs 1 lakh for each of them.
The initiative is part of Mission Rahat launched by Uppal Neuro Hospital and is dedicated to the young orphans of Punjab. Mission Rahat also entails distribution of free COVID-19 relief kits, which derive inspiration from the ‘Fateh Corona Kit’ being distributed by the Punjab Government, to offer relief to the impoverished COVID-19 patients among indigent COVID-19 positive patients.
Stating that a Mission Rahat helpline 88729-62555 has been set up to provide assistance to the COVID-19 patients and children orphaned by the visitation, Dr Uppal urged the masses to contact the same if they come across a child aged 10 years and below, who has lost his parents to COVID.
“Though it is not possible to fill the void caused in their lives by the pandemic, it is our duty to provide fiscal and social assistance to them in their time of need,” he said.
Dr Uppal lauded the initiatives taken by the Central and State governments for the well-being of such children. “Children are the future of our nation. It is the duty of every responsible citizen to come forward to the aid of the children bereaved on account of COVID-19, in every possible way that they can,” he stated.
Talking about free COVID-19 relief kits, Dr Uppal said Mission Rahat covers Ayushman Card and BPL Card holders, besides other COVID positive patients who do not need hospitalization and can recover at home. It also covers those who cannot bear the expenses of the treatment and medication. “The relief kit is specially designed to provide requisite medical aid to these patients,” he said.
He urged the COVID positive patients, who are unable to afford medical aid, to call Mission Rahat helpline to order the COVID-19 Relief Kit. “The patient would be required to submit his COVID test report through the helpline number where after which the doctors on duty would analyze the patient’s condition through a telephonic consultation with him. The kit would be prepared accordingly and sent to the patient’s address,” he said.
He maintained that the patients can also call up the helpline number for free consultation with the doctors. Dr Uppal further said that the kit would also be provided to passengers found to be COVID positive during checks being conducted at the Amritsar Railway Station and the Bus Stand.