St. Xavier's University, Kolkata, an abode of learning, forming men and women for others, could not be averse to the sudden trajectory demand of beds for individuals suffering from COVID-19 in the government and private hospitals. Fr. John Felix Raj, Vice-Chancellor took a clarion call with a team of committed faculty and officers to extend a part of the Arrupe Building (library block) to be converted into a Safe Home for accommodating corona patients in and around the university.

The Safe Home has provisions for 40 beds backed by a team of doctors, nurses and paramedical staff and a special provision for individuals in need of oxygen. The Department of Health & Family Welfare, Government of West Bengal, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, HIDCO and District Administration of North 24 Parganas have kindly consented to partner with us in this noble endeavour undertaken by an academic institution.

Admissions of COVID-19 patients are monitored by a galaxy of medical specialists of Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute in collaboration with the team at St. Xavier's University, Kolkata.

In response to the West Bengal CM's request, The Catholic Diocese of Asansol in co-operation with St Xavier's University has started three isolation units for Covid-19 patients in Burdwan and Asansol. "The Chetana Ashram in Burdwan has 30 beds in seven rooms," said Vice-Chancellor Father Felix Raj. In Asansol, St Joseph's School has for 60 beds in eight classrooms and Loreto School has 50 beds for women patients The Vice-Chancellor Fr. Felix Raj said, "Each one of us has a responsibility to contribute in our own humble way to alleviate the sufferings of humanity. It is time now to heal the world".

mariomartinlouis@yahoo.co.in
Nodal Officer
SXUK