Skoda Auto Volkswagen India outlines steps to fight Covid-19

European auto major Skoda Auto Volkswagen India (SAVWIPL) has pledged Rs 1 crore towards setting up a dedicated Covid -19 facility to Pune-based Sassoon General Hospital. The contribution is made towards essential medical consumables and critical care equipment for the medical team and patients fighting the Covid-19.

In addition, the OEM will donate over 35,000 sanitizers to hospitals in Pune, Aurangabad and Mumbai and distribute over 50,000 food packets in the Aurangabad region. It is also producing reusable face shields within the Chakan factory, which will be distributed amongst healthcare providers treating Covid-19 patients.

The company says it is also producing face shields that help protect the wearer's face from body fluids and can be worn in conjunction with masks while offering clarity for procedures. It is designed to prevent fogging while being light weight to allow healthcare personnel to communicate freely talk at the same time be movement friendly. The company has received approval from Dr Ajay Chandanwale, Dean of the Maharashtra State Government run Sassoon General Hospital. The face masks produced by SAVWIPL has been certified by the team for indoor and outdoor use, and will be used in ICU while doing procedures and for COVID -19 OPD consultation. The transparent sheet that forms the shield, can be sanitized after 6-8 hours before reuse.

Considering the surging shortage of sanitizer’s in the market, the OEM will also donate over 35,000 sanitizers to Sassoon General Hospital (Pune), Kasturba Gandhi Hospital (Mumbai) and Government Hospital (Aurangabad). It is also lending support to Annamitra Foundation who will be distributing 50,000 food packets to the needy people in and around Aurangabad till the lockdown is lifted. The carmaker is also looking at utilising its global supply chain capabilities to organise essential medical supplies that India needs to fight the Covid-19 pandemic.

Skoda Auto in collaboration with the Czech Technical University, Prague, has developed and producing reusable FFP3 respirators for hospitals using 3D printers. It is also helping charities, municipalities and volunteers distribute medicines and food by offering the use of its fleet of owned vehicles. The Volkswagen Group is organising medical materials including face masks, gloves, disinfectants, clinical thermometers, protective goggles and protective clothing – is to be made available to medical personnel providing emergency treatment and care.