“We have created a completely transparent system for distribution of foreign aid with a detailed SOP (standard operating procedure),” NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant told ET, “CovAid will help individuals and organisations to do end-to-end tracking till the ultimate beneficiary.” A detailed SOP has been laid out to ensure that the states with high active cases receive supplies on a priority basis. The requirement of high burden states in terms of number of persons admitted to hospitals as well as prior distribution is also being taken into account.
Distribution and receipt of the material are being monitored on a real-time basis, said another official. A meeting of the empowered group number three was held on Thursday to discuss ways and means to further expedite the distribution of material received from overseas, said an official statement. HLL Lifecare Limited and Concor have been engaged for logistical support. The Indian Red Cross Society is the consignee for all consignments of donations from foreign countries being received by the missions.
HLL Lifecare is functioning as the customs agent for the processing of customs and other regulatory clearances. Customs has also set up a dedicated cell for immediate clearance of goods received towards Covid aid. Soon after receiving intimation about the aid, the mission forwards the list to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) which is further shared with the health ministry for allocation. Advance information on flights is provided to the MEA, Indian Red Cross Society and HLL Lifecare for expeditious clearances of the cargo and distribution.