India is the worst affected country by
COVID-19 at the moment. The situation is
alarming and does not seem to come under control as of now. The governments
face hardships in arranging vaccines and other medical facilities to the
patients. A lot of patients are losing their lives due to lack of resources. At
this devastating time, Google has announced a ₹135 crore(18 million USD) as
funds to India in order to fight the pandemic.
Google's CEO Sundar Pichai made the
announcement on Sunday via Twitter. The total fund also consists of Ad grants
worth ₹112 crores. These have been granted to local authorities and non-profit
organisations for more language coverage operations. Pichai also stated that he
was absolutely devastated to see the situation in India and these funds will be
helpful for the worst hit families and will help them to buy essentials.
In an official statement Google mentioned
the breakdown of the funds and also said that the funds will help India to get
urgent medical supplies like Oxygen cylinders and other necessary equipment.
Highlighting that the best possible way
Google can help people is by its main information services like search-engines
and google maps to allow COVID search features, which would have information
about where to reach out in times of need. Google also stated that it is
functioning with the health ministry of
India to support the vaccine awareness initiatives and to make the situation
better.
Global companies like Microsoft and Amazon
have also decided to provide assistance
to India during these testing times.
Amazon India is procuring over 1,500 oxygen cylinders and other necessary
equipment. Amazon India will donate this to hospitals and medical facilities in
partnership with other non-profit organisations like Concern India, Swasth and various
impact organizations including Sattva Consulting and ACT Grants. Most of
these shipments are expected to reach India by April 30.