Role of welfare agencies during coronavirus lockdown

Coronavirus has claimed lives of 9 people in Pakistan and has affected more than 1200 people in the country. The federal and provincial governments are taking effective measures to contain the outbreak of this deadly virus.

All the provincial governments have enforced lockdown in their respected provinces. During the lockdown, people are barred to hit the roads for unnecessary works. However, the lockdown has affected daily wagers the most and all such people have no livelihood. In this regard, all governments have announced relief packages for them.

Despite the governments’ claims, we know that the role of philanthropic organizations in helping people cannot be ignored. Amid coronavirus and lockdown, numerous welfare agencies are working across the country to stem the economic burden on the low-income groups providing them rations and medical assistance.

Let’s have a look at the role of those philanthropic organizations.

Edhi Foundation

Whenever Pakistan had faced a disaster, Edhi foundation has helped the masses in every possible way. Earlier on February 9, those Pakistani students who were stranded in China, Edhi foundation formally requested the federal government to grant them permission to evacuate those students. However, no positive response came from the government.

Then on March 11, Chairman Edhi foundation handed over Rs 30 million to Iran as the neighboring country is one of the worst affected countries in the world from coronavirus. In this regard, Faisal Edhi said that we wanted to buy medicines so that Iran could save its citizens from the outbreak.

The Edhi Foundation has also distributed raincoats and rubber boots to their staff in the battle against coronavirus. Almost 1500 ambulances across Pakistan are also participating in the fight against the virus. Faisal Edhi said, “Our 1,500 ambulances are available 24 hours to transport the suspected patients to the hospitals and quarantines across the country.”

Faisal Edhi further said, “We are working 24/7 to assist the government in battle against coronavirus.”

Edhi Foundation is also importing coronavirus testing kits, which will be provided to the government and charity hospitals, in addition to distributing rations among needy families.

Saylani Welfare Trust

Another countrywide welfare agency – Saylani Welfare – has introduced a mobile phone application and telephone service, where needy families can register themselves to get ration and other essential items.

Saylani welfare chairperson has also announced to distribute raw food items among two million people and cooked food among 100,000 amid the crisis arising from coronavirus.

Al-Khidmat Foundation

Pakistan’s one of the largest charity organizations, Al Khidmat Foundation, has also distributing ration – enough for 15 days – among the families in low-income areas across Pakistan. Ration also includes face masks, soap and sanitizers.

The foundation has also designated isolation wards to handle the coronavirus cases.

Head of this foundation told to news agency that laborers and daily wages workers are the worst hit from the lockdown and their immediate worry is food, which we are trying to provide them.

Other welfare institutions

As above mention, number of organizations are helping the deserving people in the ongoing crisis. Volunteers from Alamgir Welfare Trust, Pakistan Islamic Medical Association, Baitul Salam Trust, and other non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are assisting governments in and outside several centers where thousands of suspected patients, mostly pilgrims from Iran, have been quarantined.

During the lockdown and coronavirus crisis, the government and welfare agencies should work together, because the virus has adversely affected many sectors including the country’s economy, health, education, employment and the workforce.