As the nation combats the second wave of the pandemic, there is an ardent need for medication, especially for those who can’t afford them. While government hospitals and dispensaries are doing their best to provide medication to such people, a lot of drugs are going unused and ultimately getting wasted after a patient stops taking them post-recovery. And this excess is actually present with almost all patients who have recovered from the Corona Virus attack.
A doctor couple from Mumbai noted this very point while working as frontline workers in the slums. Soon they thought of something very wise and noble in an hour when medicines can save lives, and, in turn, the entire country.
Dr. Marcus Ranney and his wife Dr. Raina decided to start an initiative, Meds For More, through which they urged citizens who have recovered from COVID to give back the excess medicines to them so that they make sure that it reaches the ones who are in need of it.
“The idea came when one of the family members of our staff got infected from COVID and they needed medication. As you know the medicines can be expensive. At that time there were a few people who had recovered from COVID, so we decided to take their medicines and donate them,” Dr. Raina shared with LifeBeyondNumbers.
Soon after, the couple along with 7-8 people of neighboring buildings set up a team and started this mission with the objective of helping those who cannot go out to buy medicines or anyone who can’t afford the COVID medicines.
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On May 1, they started collecting the medicines from their own apartment building Atur Terraces in Cuffe Parade. Soon after, the word spread, residents from around 100 buildings have donated their unused, unexpired medicines for the campaign. With this, they have collected 20kg of medicines in just 10 days!
Next, these drugs will be donated to the primary health care centers in rural districts across India for the timely treatment of the underprivileged who are infected with the virus.
“Covid-19 patients all across the country are facing an acute shortage of medicines. So why waste even a single dose? These can be used for treating those living in rural and tribal areas, which are the most affected. Through this initiative, we want to help such underprivileged people,” said Dr Ranney.
Meds for More collects all kinds of unused medicines that are used for the treatment of COVID-19 such as antibiotics, Fabiflu, pain relief, steroids, inhalers, vitamins, antacids, etc. Additionally, they are also collecting basic medicinal equipment like pulse oximeters, and thermometers that aid the treatment of the virus.
“All donated medicines are segregated and checked for expiry dates. We have collected around 2kg of Fabiflu, 1kg of steroids, 6kg of vitamins, 4kg of acetaminophen like paracetamol, among others,” informed Dr. Ranney.
The team has additionally tied up with different NGOs to dispense medicines to patients. Apart from covering Maharashtra, they have also finalized their first consignment which will be sent to the tribal residents in Gujarat.
“At present, our first priority will be tribals from Maharashtra and Gujarat. We will then gradually, expand it to other states,” said the doctor.
There are no geographical restrictions for someone who is willing to send them the medicines. Any recovered patient from any part of the city can send their unused medicines. They are planning to extend the initiative all across the city. This process is extremely feasible and can be also replicated in other cities.
About Dr. Marcus Ranney
Dr. Marcus Ranney pursued Bachelors of Science and Medical degrees from University College Medical School in London. He has served as a medical officer in the Royal Air Force and at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. After practicing clinical medicine in London, in 2010, he moved to Mumbai where he has worked within the Healthcare and Life-sciences industry as a Strategic Advisor and Investor with a range of MNC and national bellwether firms.
A published best-selling author, keynote speaker, digital talk show host, and public health commentator, he has been a World Economic Forum’s Global Shaper and more recently appointed as a Senior Fellow to the Atlantic Council.
Dr. Raina Ranney
Dr. Raina Ranney has got her undergraduate degree in physiotherapy from D. Y. Patil College and a Master’s Degree in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy from the University of Melbourne (Australia). She is a Sports & Musculoskeletal physiotherapist, Internationally certified childbirth educator, and Prenatal exercise specialist who helps patients get back to what they love doing by motivating them to lead healthier, active lifestyles.
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If you are willing to send in your medicines, you can reach out to the couple on Facebook, Instagram, or email them at medsformoreindia@gmail.com.