Tag: Kerala

News

Aster DM Healthcare extends support to the victims of the Wayanad Landslide in Kerala

Aug 2, 2024 by Mansi Praharaj 0 Comments #Aster DM Healthcare, #Dr. Azad Moopen, #Kerala, #Wayanad Landslide

Wayanad, 02 August 2024: In the wake of the devastating landslides that have struck Wayanad, Kerala, Aster DM Healthcare, one of the largest integrated healthcare providers, has stepped forward with profound compassion and support for the affected communities.

Responding swiftly to the disaster, Dr. Moopen’s Medical College (formerly DM Wayanad Institute of Medical Sciences) has mobilised resources in collaboration with government hospitals and Public Health Centres (PHCs) to provide immediate medical care. As of today, 173 people have been admitted, with 62 still under treatment. Seven individuals are in the intensive care unit, and 20 have undergone emergency surgery and are on the path to recovery.

ASTER
Dr. Azad Moopen, Founder and Chairman, Aster DM Healthcare along with wife Mrs. Naseera Azad, daughter Zeba Moopen and Executive Trustee Mr U Basheer made the rounds of Dr. Moopens Medical College, Wayanad to take stock on-ground and to check on admitted patients.

The Kerala State Government has also generously furnished additional medical equipment and other supplies to facilitate efficient treatment. In addition to the tireless efforts of medical and non-medical personnel on the ground, Aster Volunteers have deployed a mobile medical unit and are supplying essential resources—including water, food, and other necessities—to support the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) in their remarkable efforts.

Dr. Azad Moopen, Founder and Chairman of Aster DM Healthcare, expressed, “We extend our deepest sympathies to the bereaved families who have lost their loved ones and to the communities grappling with this profound calamity. Our heartfelt thoughts are with all those affected by this devastating disaster. In addition to the on-the-ground efforts that we are making, we have committed Rs. 1.5 crores to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund and Rs. 2.5 crores towards rebuilding homes for those who are being displaced as a result of the disaster. Furthermore, we will continue to support those affected by the disaster in any way that we can.”

U. Basheer, Executive Trustee, Dr. Moopen’s Medical College, also conveyed his heartfelt appreciation for Aster DM Healthcare’s prompt and substantial support during this crisis.

Aster DM Healthcare remains resolute in its mission to deliver compassionate and comprehensive care during this period of adversity. United in purpose, the organisation is committed to bringing relief and resilience to those in need, confident that their collective efforts will aid in the healing and recovery of the affected communities.

Business

United Way Bengaluru Launches ‘Mangroves Matter’: A Campaign to Restore Mangrove Ecosystems Started revitalizing mangrove ecosystems at Pulicat near Chennai

May 27, 2024 by Mansi Praharaj 0 Comments #' Mangroves Matter', #'jungle of roots', #'Mangroves Matter' campaign, #2024, #Andhra Pradesh, #brackish water body, #Chennai, #COP28, #ecosystems, #India's second-largest brackish water body., #Karnataka, #Kerala, #Mangrove, #Pulicat, #Pulicat or Pazhaverkadu, #Pulicat region, #Rajesh Krishnan, #Sriram Ananthanarayanan, #Tamil, #Tamil Nadu, #United Way Bengaluru, #United Way Bengaluru (UWBe), #water body., #World Wetlands Day

Mangrove @ Pulicat 1

Bengaluru, May 27, 2024: Recent reports indicate a staggering loss of about 35% of mangroves between 1996 and 2010 highlighting a concerning trend in environmental degradation. Mangrove ecosystems play a significant role in stabilizing coastlines, making their preservation crucial for the environment and inhabitants. Mangroves are a natural solution to climate change, the paramount global threat. They can sequester carbon at a rate five times greater than tropical forests.

Responding to this urgent need, United Way Bengaluru (UWBe) has launched an ambitious and impactful campaign, ‘ Mangroves Matter’, to revitalize mangrove ecosystems. The first foot is at Pulicat or Pazhaverkadu, a coastal town near Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Known as the ‘jungle of roots‘ in Tamil, Pulicat encompasses a vast expanse of 720 sq. km, constituting India’s second-largest brackish water body. Rampant destruction of mangrove vegetation by human activities and natural causes has led to a massive reduction in the lake’s depth from 3.8m to 2m. This ecological decline has endangered biodiversity and threatened the livelihoods of local fisherfolk dependent on the mangrove ecosystem.

The ‘Mangroves Matter’ campaign was officially launched on World Wetlands Day, 2024, with a bold vision to rewild approximately 10 lakh mangroves across 100 acres in the Pulicat region alone. In addition to their environmental advantages, the campaign will closely work with the Irula community, opening up livelihood opportunities for them and boosting the local economy by supporting the cultivation of shrimp and fish species. The project also includes removal of acres of Prosopis ( Karuvelam ), an invasive species which has destroyed the local flora and soil ecosystems.

Sriram Ananthanarayanan, Director-Projects, UWBe, said, “I am glad that many of our Corporate CSR partners have come forward to support this campaign with a shared vision towards environmental commitment. Notably, our CSR partner, Mphasis, has pledged their support to this cause, dedicating the rewilding of mangroves on 70 acres in Pulicat. “

Looking ahead, United Way Bengaluru envisions extending the campaign’s reach to other regions, including Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Kerala. Upholding its mission of “mobilizing the caring power of communities,” the organization calls upon organizations from different industries to join hands in supporting this vital mission for the preservation of the planet’s precious ecosystems.

Rajesh Krishnan, CEO, UWBe, said, “COP28 made significant progress towards securing the Mangrove Breakthrough’s goal of 15 million hectares of mangroves underpinned by USD 4 billion new investments by 2030. I am super excited that United Way Bengaluru is among the very few organisations who have taken this initiative. ‘Mangroves Matter’ is aligned with the aspiration of COP28, which calls out the responsibility of the State, corporations, local people, community, NGOs and other stakeholders to deliver the Breakthrough.”