Only by working together can we battle the deadly coronavirus infection and standing by this statement, volunteers from the Arch Diocese of Bengaluru have the joined the fight. These covid warriors which is a team consisting of youth Catholics, priest and religious sisters, are providing the much-needed support to the Catholic hospitals.
“The Diocese is working on a lot of initiatives and the youth wanted to help with the situation,” said Fr Anil D’Sa, Youth Director in the Diocese of Bengaluru. Drawing inspiration from the Camillian task force, a group of fathers who are already working towards helping the sick and the needy, the volunteers from the Diocese decided to provide care for the patients.
Fr Anil D’Sa expressed that he is aware about the risk factor which comes together with such a task but he assures that all the team members are volunteers and that they are made aware of the various requirements of this task force.
Attendants are not allowed with covid patients and more often than not, attendants and healthcare workers are burdened with providing medicines and documentation of the work, notes Fr. Anil. “Our Volunteers assist the patients by helping them take food, guiding them to wash place and by assisting in getting reports and medicines,” he said. The most important thing is that we sit with them and listen to them sharing their stories, he added.
This initiative which has already seen 30 volunteers so far is conducted after proper screening and after getting consent from the members. The Volunteers are accommodated at St. Camilus Study House, Upasana during their period of volunteering. Special training is given to them by Camillian brothers at the residence and they are provided with a PPE kit to wear in the hospital. The covid warriors help out at St Philomena’s, Martha’s Hospital and at the Covid care setup by the Archdiocese of Bengaluru.
“All the volunteers understand the risk that comes with the task but whoever joins the team are happy to help with the cause,” said Fr Anil, “all the tasks of the team are conducted by adhering to the covid protocols.”
Fr Anil who not only overlooks the operation but also joins along with the volunteers to provide care, said that a lot of appreciation has been received from the patients and relatives for the work that is done. “There is no remuneration. We do this work and get satisfaction knowing that we have helped the people in need,” he added.
Volunteers who are interested to join can do so through the below given link.
Youth Volunteers (18-40yrs) for COVID – Bangalore Archdiocese – Youth Commission
