COVID-19 Response

Strengthening India’s fight against COVID-19 with a 360-degree approach

The COVID-19 pandemic, the largest humanitarian crisis in recent times, affected every aspect of life in the early 2020s. In India, even as the government provided relief measures and emergency services, people faced new challenges and there was urgent need for coordinated efforts from private partners to enhance and support these initiatives.

Reliance drew on its emergency response and disaster management experience, deploying the combined strengths of 600,000+ members of the Reliance family for on-ground efforts, material resources and support for community efforts across the country.

Reliance contributed Rs 571 crore to the PM CARES and other funds to help tackle the pandemic. Specific efforts were taken to provide 360-degree support to rural communities for lives and livelihoods. This note encapsulates the different components of the support Reliance provided in responding to COVID-19.

Specialised healthcare infrastructure

To address the critical need for specialised healthcare facilities, Reliance Foundation, along with entities across the Reliance ecosystem, had set up medical, quarantine, and intensive care units, providing over 2,000 COVID-19 hospital beds across India.

Reliance Foundation's swift response and collaboration with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation led to the establishment of India's first COVID-19 dedicated hospital in just two weeks.

The Sir H.N. Reliance Foundation Hospital and Research Centre played a pivotal role in providing specialised medical facilities and quarantine services, ensuring safety and care of patients within the comfort of their homes.

As the second wave struck, Reliance Foundation further expanded its support, establishing a dedicated COVID-19 care facility at the National Sports Club of India, Mumbai, and Gujarat's first pediatric COVID-19 hospital in Jamnagar, all in record time to meet the urgent needs of the prevailing situation.

Mission Oxygen

Providing crucial support to the nation to meet a sudden shortage of medical oxygen for COVID-19 patients, especially during the second wave, Reliance repurposed its factory in Jamnagar in record time to produce liquid medical oxygen.

This was ramped up to meet the life-saving needs of 1,00,000 patients on a daily basis, delivered free of cost to various states. The facility contributed to 11% of India’s total production of medical-grade liquid oxygen.

Though Reliance was not a manufacturer of medical-grade liquid oxygen, it became India’s largest producer of this life-saving resource from a single location in order to stand with the country in its hour of need. Under the personal supervision of Shri. Mukesh D. Ambani, Chairman and Managing Director, the manufacturing facility at Jamnagar in Gujarat was repurposed to produce over 1,000 MT medical grade liquid oxygen and increase transportation capacities.

This two-pronged approach helped ensure swift and safe supply to various states and Union Territories across India.

Ensuring primary healthcare

Reliance Foundation's Mobile Medical Units continued to be a lifeline for rural communities during the pandemic, providing crucial medical assistance and raising awareness about preventive measures such as social distancing, mask-wearing, and hand hygiene in surrounding villages.

They played a crucial role in providing continued primary healthcare to the most vulnerable communities, especially those such as pregnant and lactating mothers. Since many people returned to their hometowns and villages due to the pandemic, this was especially important in providing bridge health care.

To ensure uninterrupted emergency services, Reliance Foundation provided free fuel to government-authorised vehicles and ambulances, supporting the transportation of COVID-19 patients across 21 states and three Union Territories. This initiative carried out during the second wave of COVID-19, bolstered emergency response services and facilitated timely medical attention to those in need.

Mission COVID Suraksha

Mission COVID Suraksha was vital in raising awareness on prevention and safety, distributing 1.4 crore masks to frontline warriors and communities across 26 states and union territories. Reliance Foundation's dedication to protecting vulnerable populations was evident as masks were distributed to police personnel, municipal workers, and high-risk communities.

A multi-lingual booklet accompanying the masks provided valuable guidance on proper mask-wearing and hygiene.

In addition to masks, Reliance Foundation distributed over 9.5 lakh sanitizers, 5+ lakh ORS packets, and 2+ lakh gloves across 20 states and Union Territories, further supporting communities and frontline workers in the fight against COVID-19.

Mission Vaccine Suraksha

In April 2021, Reliance Foundation launched Mission Vaccine Suraksha. With a vision of providing free COVID-19 vaccination across the country, this mission covered communities, employees, and families, ensuring equitable access to vaccination for all.

Reliance Foundation collaborated with local authorities, governments, and various organisations under the 'We Care' umbrella, providing free vaccination doses to states like Kerala, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and others, expediting the vaccination drive.

The initiative aimed to reach every last-mile resident, including vulnerable groups.