MAKING A DIFFERENCE

03 June 2020

In a time when the world faced an unexpected health crisis, Mahindra joined in the fight against Covid-19. By accepting no limits, thinking alternatively and keeping the focus on driving a positive change in the current situation, the company was instrumental in the quick implementation of important safety measures and adding momentum to the relief work. In the city of Mumbai, India, where frontline Covid-19 warriors like medical professionals, police, Bombay Municipal Corporation staff were fearlessly fighting the pandemic, Mahindra ensured their safety by manufacturing and distributing more than 3,50,000 masks and 2,50,000 face shields. Its Pithampur plant in the state of Madhya Pradesh was one of the facilities where face shields started getting assembled The ingenious engineers at Mahindra developed a low cost respirator for patients across the country. Called AIR100, this AMBU bag respirator was developed in collaboration with doctors and biochemical engineers, and it was designed to help patients during the initial stages of medical intervention. The engineering capabilities at Mahindra were realigned to prepare a prototype of low cost ventilators in just 5 days. The production of full-feature ventilators began post testing. It also started the production of the aerosol aspiration box in India. As there was a heightened need for sanitisers, Mahindra promptly converted its existing production facilities to manufacture and supply 34,000 litres of disinfectants and sanitisers. At the same time, 50 of Mahindra’s resorts across India have been made available as temporary care facilities to the government. Mahindra channelized the power of technology to connect citizens and government in this crucial time. Its tech team developed and deployed a blockchain ePass solution for state governments to streamline the validation and mobility of essential services. It also helped in the development of an Integrated Digital Health Platform to provide remote access to healthcare. In case of emergencies and to coordinate citizen services, a helpline number was introduced. It even supported the Ayushman Bharat initiative with service centre capabilities to manage queries from citizens. Mahindra formed collaborations to create computational drug discovery models to help find a cure for Covid-19. Mahindra’s spectrum of philanthropic initiatives included distribution of meals and ration packets to over 2,10,000 people. Since 30th March, more than 9,000 beneficiaries have received daily nourishment across 12 locations. Alyte, Mahindra Logistics’ corporate cab aggregator service launched in February 2020, was converted into a free emergency cab service during the pandemic. It operated in nine cities for the commute of doctors, nurses, single mothers, specially-abled individuals and senior citizens. So far, it has served more than 1000 customers and counting. In the city of Indore, women drivers of Mahindra Treo resumed services to assist healthcare workers in their efforts to contain the pandemic during the lockdown. To mobilise financial aid, Mahindra crowdsourced funds for drivers impacted by the lockdown under HOPE (Helping Our People during Emergencies). The company donated US$ 7 million to the PM CARES Fund, and made generous contributions to the Maharashtra Chief Minister, Mohali Deputy Commissioner’s Office and Thiruvallur District Collectorate Relief Funds Mahindra’s employees joined in by making a voluntary contribution of US$ 260,000 towards the Mahindra Foundation Covid-19 Relief Fund. Going beyond the borders, the employees’ voluntary contributions were used to partner Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation and Red Cross Society of China and to provide help to Philippines and Indonesia as well. As the fight against the pandemic still continues, Mahindra is committed to relentlessly contribute in every way possible.