06 Jun , 2021 By : Kanchan Joshi
India's largest private sector lender HDFC Bank has committed an initial amount of Rs40 crore to support health infrastructure across the country amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Besides, the bank would also provide direct procurement and distribution of 80 high-quality ICU ventilators to support critical patients in hospitals across Karnataka, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu.
It will also set up at least 10 oxygen enrichment plants to meet medical oxygen demands.
As part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative, HDFC Bank has further pledged to increase the committed amount over the next two quarters based on need.
The Covid-19 initiatives are being undertaken through its philanthropic arm the HT Parekh Foundation, HDFC Ltd said in a statement.
It is critical to strike a balance to address the immediate needs for healthcare, longer-term needs for supporting livelihoods, and building a more resilient health infrastructure in the country, HDFC Chairman Deepak Parekh said.
"Besides our healthcare investments, we are providing humanitarian support to the most vulnerable groups, including children, migrants, senior citizens, critically ill patients, and persons with disabilities, to ensure that they are protected. We stand committed to our country and the hope for a positive future," he added.
This week, the HDFC Bank announced its plans to become carbon-neutral by 2031-32. As part of this initiative, the bank is looking at reducing its emissions, energy, and water consumption. It will continue to incorporate and scale up the use of renewable energy in its operations.
The bank has a three-pronged strategy to achieve its objective to become carbon neutral- reduce consumption, transition to renewable energy, and offset carbon footprint.
Apart form HDFC Bank, the country's largest lender State Bank of India (SBI) also decided to set up makeshift hospitals with ICU facilities for Covid patients in some of the worst affected states amid the second wave of coronvirus.
The bank has already earmarked Rs30 crore for setting up medical facilities on an emergency basis for the treatment of Covid-positive patients.
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