• -The equipment provided by HCCB will be used to upgrade the operation theatre at Sub-District Hospital, Chicalim, Vasco

• -The hospital caters to the rural areas of Dabolim, Bogmalo, Sancoale, Sada, New Vaddem and parts of Verna Industrial Estate

• -So far HCCB has donated 5 oxygen concentrators, 100 beds to the CoVID-19 care facility set up by Verna Industrial Association (VIA) as well as PPE Kits, Oximeters Masks, Hand Gloves, Sanitizers and Beverages across Goa

Goa, September 08, 2021 – As part of its efforts to help the local community prepare against the possible 3rd wave of COVID-19, Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages (HCCB), one of India's top FMCG companies, has provided essential life-saving equipment to the Chicalim Civil Hospital. The medical equipment was handed over to Dr. Umraskar, Health Officer at Government Sub-District Hospital, Chicalim Vasco in the presence of Shri Mauvin Godinho, the Hon’ble Minister for Transport & Panchayat, Goa.

The equipment from HCCB, in association with the Indian Red Cross Society, Goa, comes as a vital asset for the Marmugao Taluk, since the hospital caters to the rural areas of Dabolim, Bogmalo, Sancoale, Sada, New Vaddem and parts of Verna Industrial Estate.

The area had been severely affected during the second wave of the pandemic due to the lack of a proper treatment facility. People in the Taluk were forced to travel to far distances for treatment such as Goa Medical College, Bambolim or the South District Hospital. With the equipment provided by HCCB, people from the local community will be able to avail treatment facilities at the hospital free of cost.

Additionally, HCCB has donated 5 EverFlo Oxygen Concentrators, imported from Germany, for the state of Goa till date. It has also provided 100 beds to the COVID-19 care facility set up by Verna Industrial Association (VIA). Besides, HCCB has distributed PPE Kits, Oximeters, Masks, Hand Gloves, Sanitizers in addition to fulfilling the beverage needs of the front-line workers.

Commenting on the importance of averting the possible 3rd wave of COVID-19, Mr. Abhishek Sharma, Factory Manager, HCCB – Goa said, “As a responsible corporate citizen, we feel it’s our duty to contribute towards the fight against the pandemic. We hope that the equipment and beverages that we have donated to the Chicalim Civil Hospital helps the local community in its fight against COVID-19 and helps save precious human lives. We will continue our support to the country in the times to come”

Sharing his optimism and enthusiasm, Gaurish M. Dhond, Chairman, Indian Red Cross Society, Goa State, said, “It is a proud moment for Indian Red Cross Society, Goa branch to associate with HCCB for the cause of the humanity. What is heartening is the fact that new life saving medical equipment will enable the hospital serve the common people of Mormugao taluka in case the 3rd wave of Covid-19 strikes.”

HCCB has also been donating ventilators, ICU beds, ICU equipment, BiPAP machines and several other medical emergency amenities to several hospitals in the country as part of its nation-wide CoVID relief efforts. The company also has plans to set up 8 oxygen plants across the country.