Volunteers step in to screen SOS numbers

As demand for drugs, beds and oxygen rises, overstretched suppliers dodging calls for help

As the raging second wave of COVID-19 pandemic creates unprecedented demands on healthcare workers and medical infrastructure, it is social media and citizens who bringing an order to the chaos using all resources at their disposal. While the first few days saw creation of various lists to help patients and their relatives, it is now individual voluntary efforts that are coming to people’s rescue in this hour of crisis. “There are a lot of lists floating around for oxygen, Tocilizumab, plasma donors and Remdesivir stockists. Patients and their relatives are getting frustrated and distraught when the phone numbers don’t work. I thought of volunteers who would do the basic calling and make the connection needed for delivery,” says Raj Janagam, an IT professional, who roped in 20 volunteers to make the calls and network to help caregivers and patients in the city.