Introduction

COVID-19 is one word that has instilled fear in millions of hearts across the world. Lots of lives were lost, but lots of lives were also saved during the pandemic that lasted intensely over a span of 3 years. 

It was a difficult time when nations and people came together to lend a helping hand to all those who suffered because of the pandemic. Charities, NGOs, and philanthropists all supported the battle against the deadly virus. 

During the pandemic, one primary hurdle to receiving healthcare was the improper relaying of information from the government, owing to multiple reasons. NGOs played a big role in bridging the communication gap. COVID Relief Fund India is such an initiative started with the aim of helping the people. 

Today, let’s delve deep into the role of NGOs and charities in COVID Relief Fund Distribution in India.

Understanding the Impact of COVID-19 in India

As NIH says, 

“The Indian healthcare system crumbled under the massive burden of the global pandemic, highlighting the gaps and challenges in the existing health delivery system.”

Despite having robust and streamlined healthcare services in India, COVID-19 rattled the system due to the sheer number of patients, limiting and, in some cases, totally cutting off the services due to the unavailability of resources. 

The quality of healthcare services in rural and urban areas was like the two sides of the coin, with the less privileged taking the toll of the disease. From the lack of oxygen and drugs to the lack of beds to accommodate the patients, the healthcare system’s flaws became evident. 

Additionally, there was a drastic decline in the treatment of patients seeking non-COVID-related ailments. 

The first wave sent people into a stressful state due to the rapid spread of the virus. The national lockdown was implemented, and people followed social distancing and other practices that kept the virus at bay. However, the real virality of the pandemic became evident during the second wave, with people experiencing “pandemic fatigue." The number of cases soared, and the healthcare system failed to provide drugs and treatment. 

The Role of NGOs in COVID Relief Fund Distribution

The government plays the principal role in conveying public health information, but due to accessibility barriers, information doesn’t get to marginalized communities. NGOs stay vital here in sharing information and mediating the inequalities. 

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• NGOs understand community needs. They understand the needs of marginalized communities, including health risks, economic risks, school shutdowns, and resource infrastructure limitations. 

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• NGOs support marginalized populations. Existing organizations and new organizations comply with government policies to swiftly respond to the needs of people by utilizing their maximum power. 

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• NGOs educate people. With already established outlets and access, NGOs educate people and create awareness within the communities in terms of local norms and beliefs. The organization’s trained employees support vulnerable populations and disabled populations. A few instances are home visits by NGOs and screening for COVID. 

Key Challenges Faced by NGOs and Charities

Despite taking swift measures to adapt to the new circumstances, NGOs suffer difficulties. The primary challenge is funding. Organizations operate on a minimal revenue system, and owing to the rise in the pandemic, the structures cripple their ability to help people. 

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Secondary challenges with respect to the COVID pandemic were the unavailability of healthcare technology and people with expertise. 

The information shared is mostly digitalized, and the ones who remain shielded and get affected are the less privileged people who can’t afford the basic necessities of masks and sanitizers, save for technology. 

Even when the technology is made available, there’s too much information, leading to a near overload of information. To discern right from wrong and to share the right information, organizations struggle without the right expertise to consult and take action. 

Innovative Approaches to Covid Fund Distribution

In response to the global pandemic, the world came together to explore and implement new approaches that would better handle the situation. 

Data analytics and machine learning algorithms were used to identify the needs of people by using the available data as a way to target the distribution of funds to the needed communities. 

Next, as one of the most advanced transaction technologies, blockchain was used to improve transparency, accountability, and efficiency in funding. Crypto relief India created a huge impact by liquifying cryptocurrencies to fund the tackling measures of COVID-19. 

Leveraging online crowdfunding platforms to raise funds for COVID-19 relief efforts allowed individuals, businesses, and organizations to directly contribute to relief efforts and support initiatives that resonated with them. 

How NGOs and Charities Are Successfully Making a Difference

From providing healthcare services by setting up facilities to distributing supplies such as masks, PPE, and ventilators, NGOs and charities played a crucial role in the war against COVID-19. 

They also raised awareness through different mediums and campaigns to better educate the communities and share the right information. Additionally, they provided mental health support during the stressful period, which otherwise might have gone unnoticed during the events of the pandemic. 

Overall, India's nonprofits and charitable organizations have been essential in reinforcing state efforts, completing gaps in the COVID-19 response, and exhibiting resourcefulness and camaraderie in the face of hardship.

Conclusion

In conclusion, NGOs and charities have played a vital role in COVID-19 relief efforts in India, leveraging donations to provide essential healthcare services, distribute supplies, raise awareness, support vulnerable populations, facilitate vaccination drives, and advocate for policy change. 

Their tireless efforts have made a significant impact in battling the pandemic and mitigating its social and economic effects. 

The organization didn’t just die down after COVID but still persists in providing healthcare and supporting research. So, make a difference by donating to these organizations and lending a helping hand. 

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