RCB’s Parent Company Diageo Pledges INR 45 Crore To India's Health Infrastructure In Fight Against COVID-19

Diageo, the parent company of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), has vowed the help of Rs 45 crores “to support India’s COVID public health infrastructure” as the country grapples with the second wave of the vicious virus.

India is observing a staggering recorded and unrecorded number of covid-19 cases and deaths due to it. The country’s health infrastructure’s fall sees people dying due to the unavailability of beds and oxygen cylinders. Many cricketers and IPL franchises have come out to help the country with its oxygen and other covid related issues.

This new initiative by RCB’s parent company will help nodal Government Hospitals in 21 districts across the country to set up Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) Oxygen Plants creating a long-term oxygen capacity.

“Fully equipped, prefabricated 16-bed mini-hospital units with PSA oxygen plants” will be provided by the company to the 15 most critical districts, subsequently increasing the hospital bed capacity in the district with the flexibility to upgrade to ICUs or Critical Care. Additionally, the company will donate medical equipment such as oxygen concentrators, oxygen cylinders, ventilator beds, and other critical devices to public hospitals across 10 States.

In a statement released, Anand Kripalu, Managing Director and CEO, Diageo India & Chairman, RCB, said: “At a time when the country is facing an unprecedented humanitarian crisis, we want to support the Government’s efforts and stand by the citizens of India.

“Long term medical infrastructure especially hospital beds and self-sufficiency in oxygen is what is needed most and we hope our contribution going into every State and UT will help play a part in India’s recovery. With this pledge, Diageo have so far contributed Rs 130 Cr towards Covid Relief.”

RCB’s parent company Diageo have launched other programs for covid relief

A ‘One District One State’ approach will be used, aiming to ensure that the support reaches at least one district in each state and Union Territory of the country

Diageo India claims that over the last year they have produced 300,000 litres of bulk hand sanitiser for use by public healthcare workers, donated 150,000 masks to 5 states’ Public Health departments and introduced Rs 3 crore healthcare insurance for bartenders. They had also launched a Rs 75 crore revival and recovery program – ‘Raising the Bar’, to support pubs, bars, and restaurants.

Coming to cricket, RCB had a strong start in the IPL 2021 winning its first four games before losing their first to the Chennai Super Kings. The Virat Kohli-led side bounced back with a narrow 1-run win over Delhi Capitals but lost its way in the next game against Punjab Kings before the season was suspended. With 5 wins in 7 matches, RCB is placed at the third spot behind DC and CSK.

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