The Gems & Jewellery National Relief Foundation (GJNRF), a body set up and supported by all the stakeholders of the gem and jewellery industry across India, had stepped forward to organise a mega relief campaign during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic last year.

Working along with the Government of Maharashtra and the BMC authorities, the organisation had been quick to respond to appeals for help, be it from needy citizens, including daily wage workers and migrants, and  hospitals and the police force at the frontline of the battle against the pandemic.

This year as the second wave of Covid is unleashing havoc, GJNRF is back to especially supporting hospitals.

Sanjay Kothari, Chairman, GJNRF, said “Last year, the majority of the work that was done included food distribution and taking care of the artisans and migrant workers. But this year the requirement is totally different. In the health care segment, there is an urgent need for oximeters, oxygen, concentration machines and ventilators. Hospital facilities and medicines are more important rather than the food.”

“So, we are in the process of supplying ventilators and concentrated oxygen machines to several hospitals and organisations.”

“If we are supplying machines to a temporarily set-up Covid centre, it is given with the condition that the machines will be returned to us so that we can donate to other hospitals later on.”

“As of now, we have already committed to spend Rs. 2 crore. In Banskantha, Gujarat, we have committed to offer Rs. 1.25 crore, as these small towns do not have adequate facilities, and there aren’t enough people to donate money. We are also supporting a Covid hospital in Dharampur, Gujarat, which is being inaugurated on 25th April.”

“In Mumbai, we are supporting two covid centres in Vile Parle, and the Jain International Trade Organization.”