Wellbeing of employees and students top priority for UPES

UPES partners with healthcare providers to make treatment affordable, while also making sure employees take paid time off to take care not only of themselves, but their families too

The second wave of the COVID pandemic in India has been nothing short of devastating, leaving in its wake a trail of death and destruction. For more than a year, people across the world have been dealing with the physical, mental, and professional impact of the pandemic. Committed to the welfare of its academic and non-academic community, UPES has been taking all possible measures to help people in distress. 

While it was about making work from home more convenient initially, as the days wore on, the focus shifted to the mental and physical impact of Covid.

Some of the initiatives taken by UPES are: 

Academic Flexibility

Many students find it difficult to maintain the pace required to cope up with academic deadlines. For the convenience and safety of the students, the university decided to extend the deadlines for assignments. Also, students who are not able to appear in the end semester examination due to a medical emergency can give their exams in July 2021. 

Medical Support

UPES has recently launched an initiative called Sanjeevani for its employees. It has tied up with Practo, an online doctor consultation app that offers complete telemedicine solutions for health and medical needs. Employees will get access to around 25 specialists across diverse fields. In addition to the employees, six family members will also get access to these healthcare professionals. Employees will also get 20% discount on medicines and lab tests.

For the students, the university is planning insightful webinars to answer all the questions related to Covid-19. These sessions will enable students and their families to cope with the situation. Apart from this, there is a ‘Covid Care Officer’ that provides information and logistical support to employees regarding things like oxygen, bed, and much more. 

24*7 Counselling Service

In this time of social distancing, it can be challenging to find ways to stay healthy in mind, body, and spirit. The university has made provisions for 24×7 emotional assistance through professional counsellors.  

Faculty/ Mentors/ Peer Groups

Various groups have been formed by students and faculty to support individuals in need of help. These networking groups significantly reduce stress and anxiety.

Here’s what some of the UPES employees and students have to say about the initiative:

The university recently donated 50 oxygen concentrators to Shri. Tirath Singh Rawat, Chief Minister, Uttarakhand, for the people of the state. UPES has been also supporting 11 neighbouring villages to curb the spread of coronavirus.

Dr. Juhi Garg, Lead-Project Shakti and CSR at UPES, says, “The Work from Home policy provides academic flexibility for faculty and students. Apart from this, support in terms of a dedicated team of doctors, arrangements in hospitals, additional insurance to cover Covid Home Care support, and vaccination drive, ensured that the people felt safe and secure.”

Geetanjili Raghav from the Department of Mechanical Engineering says, “My parents had mild symptoms like fever. They were living in isolation and finding it difficult to meet their food requirements. That is the time when I decided to get in touch with UPES Covid Care Officer to provide food to my parents. I am glad to share that UPES delivered delicious food packets to my parents during home quarantine.”

Anita Kumari, a first-year student from UPES School of Health Sciences, says, “I tested positive for coronavirus while I was in Dehradun. I was all by myself and for about 15 minutes panic gripped me. I would like to thank Dr. Neeraj Mahindroo, Dean, UPES School of Health Sciences, and Dr. Smriti Arora from UPES School of Health Sciences for constantly checking on me. They also provided medicines, oximeters, and food so that I could recover fully.”

Anamika, a first-year student from UPES School of Health Sciences, says, “I was living with my friend when I got infected. I informed my professors, Dr. Divya Rawat and Dr. Hira Rana from UPES School of Health Sciences. I got medical advice, food, and medicines immediately. My professors also told me not to worry about my assignments and exams as they would help me with that once I recovered.”