Tag Kerala

New Delhi, 26th August 2024: Skye Air Mobility, a leading drone technology-based logistics firm, has announced a collaboration with CARiTAS Hospital & Institute of Health Sciences, Kottayam, Kerala, to revolutionize medical deliveries through drone technology. This partnership aims to enhance healthcare accessibility and efficiency in the region by leveraging unmanned aerial vehicles for the transportation of essential medical supplies and diagnostic samples. The Caritas Drone Medical Supply Delivery Unit is first of its kind in South Kerala.

The initiative will see drones carrying payloads of up to 3 kilograms over distances of 10-15 kilometres, connecting CARiTAS Hospital with various other satellite healthcare facilities of CARiTAS (CFH, CKMM, CHPD) and remote areas in the region. The drone delivery system is expected to significantly reduce delivery times from hours to just 5-7 minutes, ensuring critical medical supplies reach their destinations swiftly and efficiently and also helps in reduction of carbon emission via reduction of road transportation.

Over the last 6 decades, Caritas Hospital & Institute of Health Sciences has been a revolution in the healthcare segment, which paved the way for actualising the dream called a healthy and happy community with latest cutting edge technologies. With 5 satellite centres with both IP, OP, pharmacy, lab, radiology and supportive facilities, Caritas Hospital has tried to reach to the patient for providing better patient care.

The first drone flight successfully transported a package of vital medicines from CARiTAS Hospital to Caritas Family Hospital and CARiTAS KMM located 10-15 kilometres away.

Rev Dr. Binu Kunnath, Director of CARiTAS Hospital, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “We’re excited to work with Skye Air Mobility on this project. Drones are a game-changer for healthcare in Kottayam, helping us reach patients in remote areas much faster and more reliably. Whether it’s delivering medicine, transporting lab samples, or providing medical equipment, these drones will improve care in our community. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this will have on healthcare in our region.”

Dr. Ajith Venugopalan, Chief Operating Officer (COO), CARiTAS Hospital described the importance of the drone facilities and the various process by which it is going to benefit patient service and community.

Ankit Kumar, CEO & Founder of Skye Air Mobility, highlighted the impact of the collaboration, stating, “Our partnership with CARiTAS Hospital represents a significant step forward in the application of drone technology in healthcare. By establishing an aerial supply chain, we are not only reducing delivery times but also minimizing costs and environmental impact. This initiative serves as a model for future healthcare logistics solutions across India.”

Fr. Joice Nandikunnel, Joint Director, CARiTAS Hospital highlighted the changing trends on healthcare industry and the aspect of drones in providing services in remote centre.

The drone delivery program is set to undergo a series of trial runs over the coming weeks, with plans for a full-scale rollout across Kottayam district in the near future. Both CARiTAS Hospital and Skye Air Mobility are committed to working closely with local authorities to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the drone delivery system, adhering to all relevant regulations and guidelines.
Founded in 2020, the Delhi-based start-up offers drones for the delivery of retail and ecommerce products, postal services, and food products. It also provides last-mile drone delivery services for healthcare, defense, agri-commodity and essential supplies.

6th August 2024: In the aftermath of devastating floods that swept through Wayanad, Kerala, the Akshaya Patra Foundation, based in Karnataka, swiftly emerged as a beacon of hope and efficiency. Recognizing the urgent need for aid in this picturesque yet vulnerable region, the foundation mobilized its resources and expertise to provide critical assistance to affected communities.

Responding to the Crisis

Wayanad, nestled amidst the Western Ghats, faced unprecedented flooding that submerged homes, displaced families, and disrupted essential services. The Akshaya Patra Foundation, renowned for its humanitarian initiatives and effective disaster response strategies, wasted no time in coordinating relief efforts.

Coordination and Deployment

Utilizing its robust network and logistical capabilities, the foundation collaborated closely with local authorities, NGOs, and volunteers. This collaborative approach ensured that relief materials such as food packets, clean water, hygiene kits, and blankets were swiftly delivered to the worst-affected areas. The foundation’s efficient mobilization of resources played a crucial role in meeting the immediate needs of those stranded by the floods.

Empowering Local Communities

In addition to delivering essential supplies, the Akshaya Patra Foundation actively engaged with local communities to empower them in the recovery process. Volunteers assisted in debris clearance, set up temporary shelters, and provided medical aid to ensure the well-being of survivors. By involving local residents in relief efforts, the foundation fostered a sense of solidarity and resilience among those affected.

Ensuring Nutritional Security

At the heart of its relief operations, the foundation prioritized ensuring nutritional security for flood survivors. Drawing from its extensive experience in providing mid-day meals to schoolchildren across India, the foundation served hot meals to affected families. This initiative not only addressed hunger but also provided comfort and stability during a challenging time.

Long-term Rehabilitation

Recognizing the enduring impact of natural disasters, the Akshaya Patra Foundation initiated plans for rehabilitation and reconstruction in Wayanad. Collaborating with local stakeholders, the foundation strategized for rebuilding infrastructure, restoring livelihoods, and promoting sustainable development in the region. These efforts aimed to help communities recover and rebuild their lives in a resilient manner.

Public Support and Donor Engagement

The success of the Akshaya Patra Foundation’s relief efforts in Wayanad was significantly bolstered by generous contributions from donors and widespread public support. Transparent communication about their activities and impact built trust and encouraged continued support from individuals and organizations alike. This collective effort demonstrated the power of solidarity in times of crisis.

Partnership for Relief

In addition to floods, multiple landslides have devastated Punjri Matom, Mundakkai, Chooralmala, Attamala, Meppadi, and Kunhome villages in Wayanad, resulting in loss of life, livelihoods, property, and displacement. The situation is critical, and immediate assistance remains crucial. Responding to this urgent need, Deutsche Bank partnered with The Akshaya Patra Foundation to provide 10,000 grocery kits to 2,500 displaced families in Wayanad. Each kit contains essential supplies such as rice, flour, lentils, oil, spices, sugar, and biscuits, enough to sustain a family of four for a week.

How You Can Help

In these challenging times, every contribution counts. By donating and supporting our food relief efforts, you directly contribute to the survival and recovery of affected communities in Wayanad. Your support ensures timely and effective assistance, enabling families to rebuild their lives with dignity and hope.

Join the Mission

We urge you to join us in this critical mission to bring relief and rehabilitation to those in dire need. Together, we can make a profound difference in the lives of thousands of people.

In conclusion, the Akshaya Patra Foundation’s rapid response in Wayanad exemplifies the importance of efficient disaster management and community support in times of crisis. By focusing on immediate relief and long-term rehabilitation, the foundation not only alleviates suffering but also lays the groundwork for sustainable recovery and resilience in the affected region.

Wayanad, 02 August 2024: In the wake of the devastating landslides that have struck Wayanad, Kerala, Aster DM Healthcare, one of the largest integrated healthcare providers, has stepped forward with profound compassion and support for the affected communities.

Responding swiftly to the disaster, Dr. Moopen’s Medical College (formerly DM Wayanad Institute of Medical Sciences) has mobilised resources in collaboration with government hospitals and Public Health Centres (PHCs) to provide immediate medical care. As of today, 173 people have been admitted, with 62 still under treatment. Seven individuals are in the intensive care unit, and 20 have undergone emergency surgery and are on the path to recovery.

Doctors, Nurses and staff at Dr. Moopen’s Medical College have been at war front and have handled over 173 patients till today.

The Kerala State Government has also generously furnished additional medical equipment and other supplies to facilitate efficient treatment. In addition to the tireless efforts of medical and non-medical personnel on the ground, Aster Volunteers have deployed a mobile medical unit and are supplying essential resources—including water, food, and other necessities—to support the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) in their remarkable efforts.

Dr. Azad Moopen, Founder and Chairman of Aster DM Healthcare, expressed, “We extend our deepest sympathies to the bereaved families who have lost their loved ones and to the communities grappling with this profound calamity. Our heartfelt thoughts are with all those affected by this devastating disaster. In addition to the on-the-ground efforts that we are making, we have committed Rs. 1.5 crores to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund and Rs. 2.5 crores towards rebuilding homes for those who are being displaced as a result of the disaster. Furthermore, we will continue to support those affected by the disaster in any way that we can.”

U. Basheer, Executive Trustee, Dr. Moopen’s Medical College, also conveyed his heartfelt appreciation for Aster DM Healthcare’s prompt and substantial support during this crisis.

Aster DM Healthcare remains resolute in its mission to deliver compassionate and comprehensive care during this period of adversity. United in purpose, the organisation is committed to bringing relief and resilience to those in need, confident that their collective efforts will aid in the healing and recovery of the affected communities.

Bengaluru, May 27, 2024: Recent reports indicate a staggering loss of about 35% of mangroves between 1996 and 2010 highlighting a concerning trend in environmental degradation. Mangrove ecosystems play a significant role in stabilizing coastlines, making their preservation crucial for the environment and inhabitants. Mangroves are a natural solution to climate change, the paramount global threat. They can sequester carbon at a rate five times greater than tropical forests.

Responding to this urgent need, United Way Bengaluru (UWBe) has launched an ambitious and impactful campaign, ‘ Mangroves Matter’, to revitalize mangrove ecosystems. The first foot is at Pulicat or Pazhaverkadu, a coastal town near Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Known as the ‘jungle of roots‘ in Tamil, Pulicat encompasses a vast expanse of 720 sq. km, constituting India’s second-largest brackish water body. Rampant destruction of mangrove vegetation by human activities and natural causes has led to a massive reduction in the lake’s depth from 3.8m to 2m. This ecological decline has endangered biodiversity and threatened the livelihoods of local fisherfolk dependent on the mangrove ecosystem.

The ‘Mangroves Matter’ campaign was officially launched on World Wetlands Day, 2024, with a bold vision to rewild approximately 10 lakh mangroves across 100 acres in the Pulicat region alone. In addition to their environmental advantages, the campaign will closely work with the Irula community, opening up livelihood opportunities for them and boosting the local economy by supporting the cultivation of shrimp and fish species. The project also includes removal of acres of Prosopis ( Karuvelam ), an invasive species which has destroyed the local flora and soil ecosystems.

Sriram Ananthanarayanan, Director-Projects, UWBe, said, “I am glad that many of our Corporate CSR partners have come forward to support this campaign with a shared vision towards environmental commitment. Notably, our CSR partner, Mphasis, has pledged their support to this cause, dedicating the rewilding of mangroves on 70 acres in Pulicat. “

Looking ahead, United Way Bengaluru envisions extending the campaign’s reach to other regions, including Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Kerala. Upholding its mission of “mobilizing the caring power of communities,” the organization calls upon organizations from different industries to join hands in supporting this vital mission for the preservation of the planet’s precious ecosystems.

Rajesh Krishnan, CEO, UWBe, said, “COP28 made significant progress towards securing the Mangrove Breakthrough’s goal of 15 million hectares of mangroves underpinned by USD 4 billion new investments by 2030. I am super excited that United Way Bengaluru is among the very few organisations who have taken this initiative. ‘Mangroves Matter’ is aligned with the aspiration of COP28, which calls out the responsibility of the State, corporations, local people, community, NGOs and other stakeholders to deliver the Breakthrough.”

Ahead of its highly anticipated global premiere, Amazon Original Series Poacher, has ignited intrigue and excitement, with its powerful and gripping storyline. The thrilling crime series, based on true events, is a heart-wrenching and captivating presentation by none other than Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Richie Mehta, starring Nimisha Sajayan, Roshan Mathew, and Dibyendu Bhattacharya in pivotal roles

While the crime series promises to engage audiences with its gripping storyline, it will also shed light on the extensive scale of ivory poaching, based on a real life case that took place in Kerala in 2015. Through strategic initiatives designed to ignite intrigue and awareness, and to build dialogue the streaming service has created life-sized installations in prominent locations across the country.

From oversized faux elephant tusks in glass boxes at prominent locations in Mumbai to highlight the scale of the issue, to elephant crime scenes in Mumbai, Delhi and Bengaluru, the service has been successful in creating conversations about the issue of wildlife crime, to strongly convey that – “Murder is Murder”– be if of a human, or an animal. The elephant crime scenes are located in areas such as Mumbai’s Bandstand and Powai, Delhi’s Janakpuri and Saket, and Bengaluru’s Shantiniketan.

Poacher promises to offer viewers a glimpse of a global issue that has not been widely explored on screen – the world of wildlife crime. While the show emphasizes on elephant poaching, it does it through the lens and tonality of a crime thriller, by highlighting one of the biggest ivory poaching cases in Indian history. Based on court documents and testimonials, Poacher is a series that aims to provoke the urgent issue of wildlife crime. The series aims to engage audiences and allow them to discover the story’s deeper message as they watch it. With its unique storytelling and powerful message, the show will leave a lasting impression on audiences worldwide.

The show highlights the exceptional efforts of Indian forest service officers, NGO workers from the Wildlife Trust of India, police constables, and good samaritans who risked their lives to investigate the largest ivory poaching ring in Indian history. Produced by QC Entertainment in association with Alia Bhatt’s Eternal Sunshine Productions, Suitable Pictures and Poor Man’s Productions, Poacher which primarily unfolds in Malayalam, Hindi and English will be available to stream in 240 countries and territories, starting February 23, in 35+ Indian and foreign languages.