NUS MBA students raise funds for India’s COVID-19 patients

When India’s pandemic situation worsened in April this year, three NUS MBA candidates Keshav Jain, Aayush and Priya Sharma decided to help their home country.

“We were very worried, especially for our families and friends. We felt that we must do something to help,” said Keshav.

The trio, who became close friends after doing project work together, observed that India’s hospitals were facing an oxygen shortage. This prompted them to start a fundraiser for oxygen equipment.

Their campaign raised more than S$8100 (US$6000), allowing for the purchase of 10 oxygen concentrators and 15 pulse oximeters for rural patients in eastern India. The pulse oximeters measure and detect dangerously low blood oxygen level in COVID-19 patients, while oxygen concentrators deliver oxygen to patients by removing nitrogen from the surrounding air, to prevent organ failure.

Teamwork

The students were initially worried if they could pull off the fundraiser as they had no experience. “When the idea of fundraising struck me initially, I was a bit reluctant as I had no experience with something like this before. However, as soon as I discussed this with Ayush and Priya, all three of us were on board, and as a team, we were more confident that we could pull this together,” said Keshav.

They took a systematic approach to plan and execute different components of the project.

First, they researched various manufacturers and sellers of oxygen devices and their prices. While oxygen cylinders are in high demand, the trio felt that these are not cost-effective. In comparison, oxygen concentrators can be reused without a refill.

Finding partners

The next part was distributing the oxygen concentrators. The Rural Health Care Foundation (RHCF) caught their eye. This is an organisation active in providing COVID-19-related healthcare support in rural and semi-urban areas in eastern India. The trio connected with the RHCF which quickly welcomed their proposal.

Then it was time to start the fundraising. The team chose the India-based crowdfunding platform Milaap, as they see it as a trusted platform. After their outreach to people they knew and the MBA Programmes Office’s help in spreading the word, more than S$8100 was raised.

All for a good cause

Looking back, the students felt that they were able to put their project management skills from the MBA programme to good use.

“We had set our timelines for different tasks such as designing the campaign, fundraising, procuring the oxygen concentrators, and delivery,” said Keshav.

Their soft skills gained from the programme also came in handy when they sought donations and worked with multiple organisations. “We met a lot of people and had some very meaningful conversations with them,” said Keshav.

Ultimately, the fundraising project was a significant learning experience for the trio.

“Through our friendship began since the start of the MBA programme, this project had brought us closer,” said Keshav.

“We understood the importance of channelling resources, efforts, and funds for a good cause. I think this experience has increased our confidence in executing future projects, as well as enhanced our professional network,” concluded Keshav.