Amidst the surge of cases due to the second wave of coronavirus, a 100-bed Covid Care Centre (CCC), promoted and sponsored by Volvo in partnership with BBMP, has been set up at Karnataka Institute of Endocrinology on Old Madras Road, CV Raman Nagar in Bengaluru. The facility will commence operations in two phases. The phase I (comprising 40 beds) fully sponsored by Volvo Group and supported by another Swedish major IKEA India, was inaugurated recently, by the Honourable Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa, in the presence of various senior dignatories including PC Mohan MP; Somanna, Housing Minister Karnataka; Raghu S, MLA; and Gaurav Gupta, IAS, Chief Commissioner BBMP.

This brand new facility has been equipped to cater to Covid-19 positive individuals who are either asymptomatic, or exhibiting mild symptoms or seeking isolation services. The first phase has 40 beds with oxygen concentrators, necessary medical equipment, amenities such as food, medicines, well furnished rooms with IKEA beds and furnishings, treatment and care by on-site doctors and nursing staff free of charge, as per the standards and protocol defined by the Government of Karnataka.

Speaking on the occasion the Chief Minister, BS Yediyurappa said “Volvo is always on the forefront and thanked Volvo for their generous contribution to fight this pandemic."

Speaking on the occasion, Kamal Bali, President and Managing Director of Volvo Group India said “the second wave of Covid-19  has been highly virulent & fast spreading, and this can be overwhelming for any administration or healthcare system anywhere in the world. It is indeed a gratifying experience to be able to help save lives”.

The Volvo Group has contracted with AyurVAID Hospitals and PCMH Restore Health who will provide and administer an appropriately integrated medical approach of allopathic and ayurvedic treatment and have also tied up with Aster Labs for Diagnostic Tests. Resident doctors, nurses and support staff will be stationed 24*7 at the centre. Also available at the centre is an ambulance service and, in case of escalation, the patient  would be shifted by BBMP to their designated government/private hospital for further treatment. The admission to this facility shall be as per the predefined centralised admission procedure of BBMP and through walk-ins.

“For both our organisations, safety and well-being of people is our highest priority and hence our outreach to communities. In times like these, we come with kindness and care for people who need support. Volvo and IKEA India are glad to collaborate in this CCC that would enable the many people to access the much needed support.and alleviate the stress and suffering that the current wave has brought upon us all”, jointly commented Volvo ’s Bali and Peter Betzel, CEO, IKEA India.

This facility is planned to be operational until the 30th of June 2021 and during the course, BBMP will extend the same by another 60 beds, based on the demand. In the second phase BBMP plans 20 beds as a High-Dependency Unit( HDU).