PepsiCo Foundation has announced a series of community relief outreach programs for West Bengal in partnership with Sustainable Environment and Ecological Development Society (SEEDS) India.

As part of the program, PepsiCo Foundation and SEEDS India provided oxygen concentrators and hygiene kits to the state in the presence of Mukta Arya, IAS, District Magistrate, Howrah, West Bengal to support the state’s on-ground medical requirements.

The oxygen concentrators will be installed in local government hospitals in Howrah. Hygiene kits consisting of masks, sanitizers, soaps, and gloves were also handed over to ensure the safety of frontline workers and communities.

Mukta Arya, IAS, District Magistrate, Howrah, West Bengal, said, “The District Magistrate-Howrah extended her gratitude to PepsiCo Foundation and SEEDS for this gesture and their sense of social responsibility. She said the initiatives from the private sector strengthen the public health infrastructure greatly in the time of pandemic.”

Dr Manu Gupta, Co-founder, SEEDS, said, "We are certain that the communities who are often left under the radar during any disaster response will be able to get great support with help of these oxygen concentrators in Howrah."

Ahmed ElSheikh, President, PepsiCo India, said, “India is embattling the second wave of the pandemic and we all are facing a challenging situation. In these difficult times, it becomes even more important for businesses to come together and partner with Centre and State Governments, civil society, NGOs, and healthcare institutions to support communities in need.”

West Bengal is one of the key states for the community relief program launched by PepsiCo Foundation and SEEDS India.

In addition to the oxygen concentrators, Covid-19 care centre and vaccination drives will also be set up in Howrah for the communities at large. The company distributed over 10 lakh meals to the Covid-19 and Amphan affected communities in Howrah, Krishnanagar, and Bankura. (SAM)