The country’s largest commercial bank State Bank of India has allocated Rs 71 crores to undertake various support initiatives to help India combat COVID-19 second wave. Bank has dedicated Rs 30 crores to set up 1000-bedded makeshift hospitals, 250 bed ICU facilities & 1000-bedded isolation facilities in some worst-hit states
These facilities will be set up in collaboration with government hospitals and Municipal Corporations of the respective cities.
SBI will also contribute Rs 10 crore for genome-sequencing equipment, lab and vaccine research equipment to the government. The bank will also spend Rs 10 crore in partnering with NGOs to undertake community-based testing, strengthening vaccination drives, creating helpline for Covid-19 related matters, providing oxygen supply and other critical activities.
SBI has allocated Rs 21 crore to all its 17 local head offices to address urgent medical needs of citizens including procuring life-saving healthcare equipment and enhancing oxygen supply to hospitals.
Chairman Dinesh Khara informed “we will continue to provide PPE kits, masks, rations and cooked meals. We are trying our best to make a small contribution to society in the fight against the second wave”.
“We are committed to contribute funds, resources and reach out to the citizens of India and also join in the government’s efforts in fighting the virus. I urge everyone to offer their support in any form to the people in need and contribute towards making the country Covid-19 free.”
SBI has tied with various hospitals for the vaccination of its employees. The bank has also decided to bear the cost of vaccination for its employees and their dependent family members.
SBI has converted 60 of its training centres across the country into isolation/quarantine centres for affected employees and their family members
