How companies can best use CSR fund for COVID response in India?

How companies can best use CSR fund for COVID-19 response and vaccination drive in India

The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) notified that Spending of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds for “setting up makeshift hospitals and temporary COVID care facilities” is an eligible CSR activity. The Government has issued a notification in continuation to the Ministry’s General Circular No. 10/2020 dated March 23, 2020 wherein it was clarified that spending of CSR funds for COVID-19 is an eligible CSR activity.

Given that India has been recording over 3 lakh COVID cases every day from 22nd April 2021, it becomes imperative that we respond to this pandemic with all might and resources at our disposal. With India’s annual CSR spend of INR 20,000 Cr., businesses play a role of catalyst to help India fight against this pandemic.

During the 1st wave of COVID-19 in March 2020, many companies have committed huge financial and in-kind support going beyond CSR compliance. We are again at a stage where we need collective efforts of government, businesses, innovators and civil society.

Here are a few ideas or projects which companies can take up under their CSR portfolio to help India better respond to COVID-19:

Helping State Government and Municipal Bodies to Set-up Make-shift COVID Hospital or COVID Care Facilities

Just after the MCA notification on allowing companies to set-up make-shift COVID hospital or temporary COVID care facilities, many state governments and municipal bodies have been reaching out to companies and CSR foundations to join hands with them for setting-up COVID care facilities. This could be a good CSR project by companies, given that the need of the hour, healthcare support requirements and fast-mobilization of fund to get things going on the ground will be easy through CSR funding.

There are a few innovative solutions by a few start-ups that can help in setting-up 20/50/100 beds portable hospital facilities with full set-up in 15-25 days at any location. Similarly, large convention hall, banquets etc. can be converted to make-shift hospital by adding props, furniture and devices. Partnering with government agencies will ease off the permission related burden on companies.

In case you are a company and exploring such, project, you may reach out to CSRBOX to explore partnerships with a few state governments.

Setting up Oxygen Generation Plants under CSR in Coordination with State and District Authorities

Companies can also look at setting-up oxygen generation plants in state-run hospitals or at regional level to provide oxygen to hospitals and other healthcare facilities. The location hunting and permission related issues can be sorted by the government agency. The cost of oxygen generation plan depends on the capacity and kind of technology used. However, with budget of INR 40-70 Lakh you can help with an oxygen plant with capacity of 30M3/Hr. which can refill 100 cylinders/day.

Procuring Oxygen Concentrators and Setting-up Oxygen Banks with NGOs

Oxygen Concentrators are a great relief for those who are struggling to maintain oxygen level sue to COVID. An oxygen concentrator is a medical device that concentrates oxygen from ambient air. Atmospheric air has about 78 per cent nitrogen and 21 per cent oxygen, with other gases making up the remaining 1 per cent. The oxygen concentrator takes in this air, filters it through a sieve, releases the nitrogen back into the air, and works on the remaining oxygen. This oxygen, compressed and dispensed through a cannula, is 90-95 per cent pure. A pressure valve in concentrators helps regulate supply, ranging from 1-10 litres per minute.

Oxygen Concentrators are manufactured by many companies and are available in the price range of INR 40,000-75,000 depending on the capacity and brand. Companies can procure Oxygen Concentrators, partner with NGOs and set-up Oxygen Banks where these concentrators are provided to people in home isolation for a week or two. This can be a great relief for many who have to struggle to get oxygen refill every day.

Partnering with Local Bodies and Sponsoring Community COVID Vaccination Drives

As Government of India has approved massive COVID Vaccination drive by allowing above 18 years population to be included from the 1st May 2021, there is huge opportunity for companies to curate geo-focused vaccination drive in their areas. Companies can partner with local bodies and run massive IEC campaign, sponsor for setting-up vaccination centres, procurement of vaccine etc. Vaccine related awareness creation and mass mobilisation for vaccine could be a good CSR project.

If you are exploring any such project and need any help, you may write to us at [email protected]