PROBLEM OUTLINE
The pandemic caused by the COVID-19 coronavirus has affected the societies of all European countries. It triggered a massive problem with the efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare system, as well as ensuring safety to its staff. Shortly after detecting the first cases of infection in Poland and introducing restrictions by the government, medical facilities began to suffer from supply shortages. It was the lack of personal protective gear for doctors, nurses, cleaners, paramedics and diagnostics that was particularly acute.
ORGANIZATION
At the end of March 2020, Dominika Kulczyk, the President of Kulczyk Foundation, made a decision to commit PLN 20 million (approx USD 5 million) for the fight against the pandemic caused by the COVID-19 coronavirus. The funding was made available through the Doctors for Doctors Foundation (Fundacja Lekarze Lekarzom) to purchase medical equipment.
The Doctors for Doctors Foundation (Fundacja Lekarze Lekarzom) was created in May 2011 by the official trade body – Chief Medical Council.
PROJECT
In total, the following were brought from China:
- a million of surgical masks,
- 1.5 million face masks with the N95 filter,
- 100,000 safety gowns,
- 100,000 helmets,
- 100,000 goggles.
The four batches of equipment were shipped by air from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (Kanton airport) to Poznan – Lawica airport. The LOT Cargo which used the state-of-the-art Dreamliner planes was the carrier. The shipment was funded by the Prime Minister’s Office and realized within humanitarian aid action (which resulted in, among others, duty and VAT tax exemption). The Polish – Chinese Business Council managed the production and logistic process.
The equipment was shipped from Guangzhou to Poznan where, with the support of local activists from the Lions Club Poznan Pillory and the authorities of Poznan, the logistics center for the Doctors for Doctors Foundation was prepared. The whole equipment was distributed to Regional Medical Chambers from there. The city of Poznan provided free transport and a market hall, and the entrepreneurs organization managed to help distribute it among hospitals and medical facilities indicated by the Foundation and Regional Medical Chambers. Raben Group, Military University of Land Forces from Wroclaw, and 12th Brigade of Wielkopolska Territory Army were engaged in unloading and delivery.
The equipment went to medical Staff throughout Poland who is on the front line of the fight against the coronavirus pandemic.
