WHA Group Launches Initiatives to Help Surmount Challenges of Covid-19 Pandemic

COVID-19 has shaken the world in many unprecedented ways, and its repercussions are still difficult to assess.  In Thailand, both the physical and psychological health of countless individuals, families and communities were gravely impacted while many victims were claimed by the virus. The pandemic affected many businesses and the lives of the most vulnerable in our society. 

Since its inception, WHA Group has been looking after the well-being not just of the communities located around its industrial estates, but also of the widest number of people it can reach.  During these trying times, the company has deployed numerous initiatives to adjust to the situation and support those in need.

Financial aid

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak, WHA has been making contributions to support medical front liners who work tirelessly around the clock to assist those seeking urgent medical attention. It also offered its support to the communities most impacted by the loss of jobs, and the uncontrollable situations that the crisis provoked.

WHA Group made a 10-million-baht donation to the Faculty of Medicine of Siriraj Hospital and Ramathibodi Hospital to help those affected the most by the COVID-19 crisis.   

The contributed funds came from WHA Group, Ms. Jareeporn Jarukornsakul, Chairman and Group CEO of WHA Corporation PCL, and the Dr. Somyos Anantaprayoon Foundation.   Part of the cash was used to purchase medical supplies and much-needed ventilators and ECMO machines to support patients with respiratory problems.

WHA Group also sponsored two “CU-RoboCovid”, created by the Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University. The “Pinto” robots, now used at hospitals nationwide, assist doctors and nurses in their task to detect and treat COVID-19 cases, while reducing the risk of infection. Other monetary donations were sent to communities to subsidize mobile temperature checkpoints, so villagers can be screened for fever and other COVID-19 symptoms.

Supporting local front liners and first responders

The company handed over 1,000 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) suits to Ramathibodi Hospital to be distributed to hospitals nationwide. In addition, over 5,000 KN-95 masks were also given to various provincial health administrations and hospitals across the country to ensure that medical staff members are properly protected from catching the virus. A substantial amount of money also went to help and feed front liners who bravely and selflessly performed their duties.

Helping the community observe health and safety protocols

WHA teams were also busy distributing KN-95 masks and hand sanitizers to Pluakdaeng Hospital in Rayong, the Pattaya Administrative Office and other public institutions in the Eastern Economic Corridor. They also went to Maenamkoo district in Rayong to provide support for the manufacture of masks for monks and villagers.

Since the start of the outbreak, the company has been distributing hand sanitizers to 65 local schools, as well as hospitals, healthcare centers and provincial administrative offices. In addition to this donation, WHA executives and staff also reached out to schools and child development centers to promote personal hygiene and health awareness through interactive games to keep students safe as schools reopen.

Food donations, consisting of nutritious food packs and freshly-cooked meals were also arranged through a giving back program called “We Care for Nong Kae” for the province of Saraburi to relieve the impact of COVID-19 on vulnerable residents of the nearby communities.

“WHA Group’s response to this pandemic is to support the people in the country who have been most challenged and affected.  We also focus on promoting health and safety measures in schools,” said Ms. Siyaphas Chantachairoj, Director of Corporate Marketing, WHA Corporation PCL.  “In line with our CSR mission, our well-targeted initiatives to help society in general, and our communities in particular, will continue as long as needed. We are guided by our corporate commitment and a true spirit of caring and sharing in times of difficulty.”

WHA Group is extremely proud of and grateful to the country’s healthcare and medical professionals who stepped up in the fight against the coronavirus.  It is also honored to join all those who have, in one way or another, demonstrated deep compassion and have contributed meaningfully to help one another during this time of need.