Ludhiana, April 07, 2023: In a significant contribution towards the healthcare infrastructure of the Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, the ICICI Foundation donated an ambulance to the university today. The ambulance was launched by the Vice-Chancellor of PAU, Dr Satbir Singh Gosal, from the university's health centre. On the occasion, Mr. Surinder Kumar Purohit, Senior Project Manager, ICICI Foundation, and Mr. Vijay Nagpal, City Business Head of ICICI Bank, Ludhiana, handed over the keys of the vehicle to Dr Gosal in the presence of the university officers, faculty and staff.

The ambulance is equipped with an autoloader collapsible stretcher which will be used to transport patients to other hospitals for advanced medical treatment. The design of the stretcher can save the paramedic vital time in a situation where every second counts. It is worth mentioning that ICICI Foundation has already contributed seven sanitary napkin incinerators of varying capacities to girls’ hostels in PAU. This was done to raise awareness on menstrual management and break the silence and stigma around menstruation on the issue of safe disposal and promote cleanliness. Moreover, the Foundation is working on the provision of two electric vehicles for garbage collection and segregation on the campus. It also plans to provide 51 trash bins in the campus area.

Dr S.S. Gosal pointed out the need for such virtuous gestures and mentioned that several people lose their lives in transit because of a lack of ambulances with critical care facilities. Expressing his gratitude towards the ICICI Foundation, Dr Gosal said, "We are extremely grateful to the ICICI Foundation for their generous contribution towards our healthcare infrastructure. The ambulance will help us provide timely and efficient medical services to the PAU fraternity and we are confident that it will prove to be a valuable addition to our facilities." 

Explaining ICICI’s long-standing commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR), Mr. Surinder K. Purohit explained that the activities are largely implemented directly or through the ICICI Foundation for Inclusive Growth. He remarked, "We are pleased to be able to contribute to the healthcare infrastructure of Punjab Agricultural University. Our aim is to ensure that people have access to quality healthcare facilities, and we hope that this donation will go a long way in achieving that goal.”

Mr. Vijay Nagpal divulged that the ICICI Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the ICICI Group, one of India's largest private sector banks. The foundation has been actively involved in various social and community development initiatives nationwide, focusing on education, healthcare, and skill development. The donation of the ambulance to PAU is a part of the foundation's ongoing efforts to support healthcare infrastructure in the country.

While welcoming the gathering, Dr Rishi Indra Singh Gill, PAU Estate Officer, narrated the various rounds of deliberations with the personnel from ICICI and their willingness to give back to society. Dr D.S. Pooni, Chief Medical Officer, in his vote of thanks, highlighted the importance of prompt action and smooth functioning in health care and referred to ICICI’s largesse as a testament to its commitment to improving the lives of people in the communities where it operates. 

The new addition to PAU Health Centre is expected to make a significant impact on the healthcare infrastructure and benefit the people visiting it.