Accenture Contributes To India’s Pandemic Battle, Pledges $25 Million To The Noble Cause

Ireland-based IT and processing services giant – Accenture has joined the growing list of big names committed to India’s pandemic relief plans. The company pledged $25 million to the noble cause and also plans to provide COVID vaccines to its 2 lakh employees in the country.

The company’s initiative comes at a crucial period when India is facing major challenges as the number of COVID cases increase by the day. In a statement, it said that the safety and welfare of its employees has always been its top priority and such steps are being taken to ensure that care and support are available to them as and when needed.

Chairman and Senior Managing Director of Accenture in India, Rekha Menon said, “Accenture stands in solidarity with India. We have made a fresh pledge of USD 25 million (about Rs 185 crore) for pandemic relief efforts in addition to ongoing investments in our people and communities.”

She also added that Accenture had established several facilities as well as implemented several measures for the benefit of its 2 lakh employees in India. Some of the noteworthy steps include:

• A 24×7 tele-consultation and tele-medicine helpline for all Accenture employees and their immediate families
• Care-at-home services for any employee or their family members who are under quarantine or awaiting hospitalization
• Free vaccination for employees and their dependents who avail Accenture’s medical benefits program. Additionally, the employees receiving vaccination will be eligible for paid off of four hours each time
• COVID-19 Caregiver Leave of five days will be made available to employees who are taking care of COVID positive family members
• Reimbursement for COVID testing with home sample collection

The company is also involved in procuring ventilators, oxygen concentrators and medical kits as part of a larger effort. PPE and COVID-19 kits have been provided to healthcare and frontline workers too. In addition, Accenture has joined forces with the government to support the vaccination drive and is providing local language call-centres.

Reiterating its commitment to India’s cause, the company stated, “We are also working with other companies and the US Chamber of Commerce to organize a Global Task Force on Pandemic Response: Mobilizing for India.”