Dear Friends

I am writing to update you regarding ASI’s role in the fight against COVID 19.

We are all well aware of the fact that there is acute shortage of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) for our Healthcare personnel. Over the past several days, I have been interacting with State Chapter and Section representatives regarding raising funds towards procuring PPE sets.

The 2019 dues to various State Chapters from the parent body amounts to around Rs 35, 00, 000. I have requested State Chapter representatives to kindly consider allowing ASI to utilize this fund towards procuring PPEs. Most Chapters have consented & three Sections (ABSI, ACRSI & IAES) have also come forward to contribute to the central ASI fund.

After extensive search and negotiating the best possible rates, ASI is in the process of placing orders for about Rs 40, 00, 000 worth PPEs from a Govt. of India approved manufacturer with an established track record.

The PPE sets would be delivered to one single point contact – State Chapter (Chairman/ Secretary). The State Chapter Executive Committee in collaboration with national EC members representing the State will decide as to how best these PPE sets are utilized. This plan would ensure that PPEs reach out to those healthcare workers in the front line, that need them the most…

With folded hands, my personal appeal to you – please utilise all your resources and contacts and raise money locally, and equally, kindly make a personal generous financial contribution to your respective ASI State Chapter. The State Chapter should utilize these finds locally based upon the needs of the community in the region. A “Working Committee” would be formed within the State Chapters to oversee spending of this collected money.

Scores of homeless people have suffered the most during this ‘lock down” and I urge you to kindly consider adopting a few families who are homeless and provide them with food/shelter.

Dr Abhay Dalvi and I participated in the Video Conference with Hon’ble Prime Minister held on 24th March 2020. The Government addressed promptly & actioned some of the pertinent points raised by me with the Prime Minister. The Link to the video clip enclosed below went “viral” to various medical and non-medical whatts app groups. Received hundreds of appreciative messages from all over India and abroad and am deeply touched/grateful.

Link:

http://asiindia.org/2020/03/25/dr-p-raghu-ram-interacts-with-pm-covid-19-crisis/

In addition to making a personal contribution of Rs 2, 00, 000 to the “PM CARES fund”, over the past several weeks, on behalf of ASI, I have been representing & echoing ASI’s “voice” boldly on various issues relating to COVID 19 in News Dailies & National Prime Time TV shows/news.

Link:

http://asiindia.org/category/covid-19/

Pleased to share that I have been hand picked to participate and feature in a “social media” initiative being spearheaded by UNICEF in collaboration with the Govt. of India The principal aim is to spread the message of Hope & Courage in these troubled times in addition to highlighting some of the practical tips in dealing with COVID 19. A few other prominent people in the Country from all walks of life have been roped in this noble endeavor. The recording for this initiative is completed and the video clips should be on social media by end of this week.

In closing, my heartfelt gratitude to the National Executive Committee, State Chapter/Section Executive Committee for their outstanding support/advice and to YOUR UNSTINTING CONTRIBUTION during the most unprecedented crisis that we have never ever experienced in our lifetime.

“In challenging times, it’s important that above all, we have balance within ourselves”

STAY SAFE

Kindest regards.
Yours, in service of ASI…


Dr. P. Raghu Ram
MS, FRCS (Edin), FRCS (Eng), FRCS (Glasg), FRCS (Irel), Hon. FRCS (Thailand), FACS

Padma Shri Awardee (2015)
Dr.B.C. Roy National awardee (2016)

President, The Association of Surgeons of India

Categories ASI Activities 2020, COVID 19