Neuberg Diagnostics has been doing COVID – 19 tests free of costs

Neuberg Diagnostics has been doing COVID – 19 tests free of costs for all from its Bangalore lab (Neuberg Anand) and for BPL patients from its Chennai (Neuberg Ehrlich), Pune (Neuberg A.G diagnostics), and Ahmedabad (Neuberg Supratech Micropath) labs from day one. We are already processing tests free of costs for government referred samples at all locations. We at Neuberg, appreciate the Supreme Court intervention to make Covid19 testing accessible and affordable to all.

We have already processed close to 300 free samples in Bangalore.  We have also, accepted to process over 500 samples in Chennai and over 1000 samples in Ahmedabad, free of cost for the State governments.  We are in discussions with the Government to offer the same service in Pune. We at Neuberg consider COVID 19 testing as our social responsibility and not a revenue generating activity.

We are also of the opinion that the Government or Corporates, through their CSR funds, should reimburse Rs 2000 - Rs 2500 per test, to the private labs so that their materials costs are recovered. Alternatively, ICMR or State Governments should provide testing kits, sample collection materials and PPE for private labs to do free testing. Also, MRP for PCR kits, RNA extraction kits, VTM sample tubes should be fixed. We feel this initiative from the Government will drive free testing more effectively and will be welcomed by all private labs.  Given the current situation, the routine business of all Private labs have fallen by 70%- 80% and facilitating free Covid-19 testing must be supported by Government.

Complying with the Supreme Court order, we have made testing free in our Chennai (Neuberg Ehrlich), Ahmedabad (Neuberg Supratech) and Pune (Neuberg A.G diagnostics) from today. Bangalore (Neuberg Anand), has been and will continue offering Covid 19 testing free for all without any discrimination using funds from charitable trusts. While we wait for further orders and directions from the Supreme Court and Government of India we do hope other corporate companies and NGOs also join Neuberg in their mission to provide free testing for all in Chennai, Bangalore, Ahmedabad and Pune where our group has ICMR approved RT PCR testing facilities.

Mahindra Logistics launches

Mahindra Logistics launches HOPE

~ To provide relief fund for drivers impacted by the lockdown~

Mahindra Logistics Limited (MLL), one of India’s largest 3PL solutions providers has launched HOPE (Helping Our People during Emergencies), an initiative to support drivers financially to aid the battle against the COVID-19 lockdown. The company has partnered with Samhita Social Ventures - a social enterprise and SuperMoney - a financial lending tech platform to reach out to the beneficiaries within ecosystem. This move will create an ecosystem to channelise CSR funds of other companies to provide economic support and recovery to workers.

 The national lockdown announced by the government and with state borders shut, has impacted a large number of drivers. Whether they are drivers ferrying goods between the states as well across the country, or those who drive taxis and for ride-sharing companies. These drivers mostly stranded and are struggling to make ends meet for themselves and their families.

As a part of the initiative, Mahindra Logistics will be providing immediate relief by transferring INR 3,000/- to each driver’s bank account, to buy essential commodities. This will be followed by other support provided to these drivers like health insurance cover, leveraging government schemes and loan guaranteeing model.  In addition to this, Mahindra Logistics would strengthen healthcare professionals’ abilities to respond and provide support to affected families using digital channels.

Mr. Rampraveen Swaminathan, MD & CEO, Mahindra Logistics Limited said: “With over 30% of commercial vehicles stranded on roads across the country, drivers need urgent support. Truck drivers and their families are in immediate need of cash for food and other basic facilities. We have launched several programs to support the driver community along with our business partners. Through this initiative, of short term financial relief and hope we aim to help these drivers and their families until the situation in the country is restored.”

Speaking on the initiative, Ms. Priya Naik, Founder and CEO, Samhita Social Ventures says, “Through our India Workers' Alliance, we are delighted to partner with Mahindra Logistics, to support India's blue collar and gig economy workers whose lives and livelihoods have been severely impacted. Our single objective is to help them survive this crisis and enable them to get back on their feet. We talk to our workers and experts constantly to ensure that our solutions are quick, effective and responsive to changing needs on the ground”.

In addition to this, Mahindra Logistics (MLL) also announced that its enterprise mobility business, Alyte will provide emergency cab services for those affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. This free service has begun in Hyderabad, Kolkata and Chennai, with more cities being added every day.