Pune Platform for Covid Relief (PPCR) is an industry led initiative in Pune, to help augment the medical infrastructure of the city, which was the epicentre of Wave 1 of the pandemic and is also hit hard in Wave 2. PPCR is supported by the Maharatta Chambers of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (MCCIA) and its members diligently. PPCR is only supplementary to the administration's efforts and does not seek to replace any government-led initiatives. The companies of Pune have raised resources to make Pune the city with the highest number of ventilators in the country. Mission Vayu was set up by PPCR to ensure that the city gets an adequate supply of oxygen and related equipment. Donors from various countries in the world have come together to collect 30 crores with which PPCR is importing equipment from various countries like Singapore, Israel and UK. PPCR has also set up an online facility where donors can collect money for their own cities in Maharashtra. These funds will be used to augment medical infrastructure in specific cities. PPCR is hand-holding various cities in this process. We spoke to Sudhir Mehta, President MCCIA and the force behind PPCR and Amit Paranjape, member, MCCIA and active participant in PPCR to understand the details of Pune's fight against Covid-19. May 1 is Maharashtra Day and this discussion becomes even more relevant on how citizen efforts can come together to undertake civic responsibilities.
