BEML has always been at the forefront when it comes to dealing with national crisis. The Covid-19 pandemic has adversely affected every sphere of life. In the wake of this second wave of Covid pandemic and to mitigate the oxygen shortages in the country for Covid patients, BEML has successfully started manufacturing 960 LPM medical oxygen plants at its KGF complex in record time under a ToT agreement with Defence Bio-Engineering & Electro Medical Laboratory (DEBEL), Bengaluru under DRDO.

The first set of medical oxygen plant has been rolled out and is being delivered to KoppalInstitute of Medical Sciences, Koppal. BEML has received orders for 100 plants from DEBEL in May 21, under ‘PM Cares’ fund and the same is expected to be supplied by end July 2021. In co-ordination with District Level Medical Authorities, BEML is also establishing a 960 LPM capacity medical oxygen plant in one of the designated hospitals in Karnataka, under CSR.

BEML is making dedicated efforts to extend all possible assistance to the government bodies, medical units and front-line workers apart from taking care of employees and their families in combating this pandemic. The company contributed Rs 50 lakh to DRDO towards opening of a 500 bedded hospital for Covid patients.

To provide immediate medical attention, the company has set up Covid care centres at its KGF and Bengaluru complexes. Fever Clinic also been established for examining the suspected Covid cases at KGF Complex.

To boost the government’s effort in vaccination, BEML has conducted Vaccination camps at BEML’s KGF, Bengaluru and Mysorecomplexes through medical staffs in coordination with DHOs for the employees, their dependent family members, retired employees, contract workers and others. So far total 3174 employees, executives and contract workers have been vaccinated through this drive, which is more than 55% of the staffs in the age group of 45 years and above.The vaccination for the employees of below 45 years of age also has been started.

Moreover, to contain the spreading of the virus, BEML has also undertaken various preventive measures on war footing with prime focus on the health and safety of the employees. Various initiatives such as distribution of Food, medicines, masks, food provisions etc. and massive awareness campaign are organized with the involvement of stake holders and local authorities to demonstrate itscommitment towards employees and local public. 

Even when faced with economic uncertainty as all the operations were completely stopped due to lockdown, the company continued to engage all its manpower including the contract workers without any reduction in salary/wages. All necessary medical support was extended to all employees and their dependent family members including contract workers. 

The company has tied up with many major hospitals including testing labs across the country. Particularly, majority of the high-standard hospitals available in Bengaluru are recognised by the company to provide critical medical care to its employees and dependents.   

Frequent awareness campaign on Covid-related social behavior norms have been conducted at all complex/divisions and various preventive measures including frequent washing of hands/sanitisation, wearing mask/face cover, thermal screening, digital mode of operation etc. and observing social distancing are in regular practice in the company’s work life.

BEML has not only stood strongly to fight against the pandemic with the cooperation of all stakeholders, but also extended support to the government during this difficult situation.