“On behalf of the institution, I wish to place on record our appreciation…we are overwhelmed at the efforts taken by you all to raise funds for the COVID work at CMC. This has definitely taken a huge pressure off us.”- Dr. J.V. Peter
In response to the deadly second wave of COVID-19 in India and CMC leadership’s appeal to support their efforts to respond to the crisis, the Foundation has thus far raised $1.41 million accomplished through a concerted effort with CMC, as well as through the efforts and effectiveness of our Board, alumni, faith-based community, loyal friends and more than 500 newfound donors. As of June 8th, the Foundation has transferred a total of $1,154,631 to CMC.
The collective support of friends and supporters around the world has enabled CMC to rapidly establish the infrastructure and capacity needed to treat thousands of COVID-19 patients per week. Since February 2021, CMC increased the number of COVID treatment beds from 72 to 1,150 located throughout its three campuses in two states. This included the timely procurement of life-saving equipment for 121 ICU beds, such as ventilators and oxygen concentrators. Additionally, CMC managed over 700 patients through the nurse-run telehealth program called “CMC COVID Home Isolation Management (CMC CoHIM)”, reducing the pressure on hospital beds.
In a recent update, Dr. J.V. Peter shared the following: “The COVID situation is starting to slow down in terms of proportion of patients turning positive and the total number of positive cases. However, the pressure for beds continue since many are continuing to be referred for the care of patients who need oxygen or ventilatory support. We are monitoring the situation closely and we think that in another week to 10 days, we may be able to breathe a bit easier.”
On June 1st, CMC launched a new initiative called “Vaccinate Vellore” with a goal of fully immunizing 70,000 people within the next 60 days. Although the Indian government is offering a free COVID vaccine program, procedurally it presents too many obstacles to be useful in Vellore. Consequently, CMC is looking to purchases the vaccines needed for the program at a cost of $11 (US) per vaccine, resulting in a total program cost of $772,000.
At the request of CMC, the Foundation is now shifting its fundraising focus to support this new vaccine program. As was learned here in the U.S., a successfully implemented vaccination program is the only real permanent solution to this global COVID pandemic.
