• Published on: Jul 10, 2021
  • 1 minute read
  • By: Raj Dwivedi

The Hybrid Way - Telehealth !

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Covid 19 has transformed our lives in so many ways. The reality is that most likely, the pandemic will not end suddenly, and we’ll be dealing with some version of it for years to come.

As we slowly adapt to our new normal, we’ll embrace some changes and reset our lives in many ways. We have noticed some of the shifts in our personal lives and the world around us.

Health care has gone through a complete digital revolution: As the pandemic intensified, more and more providers have switched from in-person visits to telehealth appointments over video chat. Globally in April 2020, telemedicine services increased by more than 35,00 percent, and nearly half of every consultation visit was delivered virtually. Of course, this was a welcome change. Virtual visits have prevented excess COVID-19 exposure and saved others—especially those in rural areas—from a long commute to the doctor’s office. 

The increase in remote and telehealth was driven by general fear of infection. Lot of telehealth consultation took place in areas of substance abuse recovery and mental health as well. 

What was meant to be a temporary solution worked surprisingly well, at least once they tackled tech barriers? Some clients relied on their own devices before the dedicated platforms and purpose-built suites were launched. For people without smartphones or data plans to support these services, virtual care was out of reach before the suites arrived.

Post-pandemic many clients will prefer to return to face-to-face services. Yet in most cases, virtual visits would make it easier for his clients to access health care. For instance, lack of transportation could stand in the way of someone making their appointment, but that concern goes away with virtual meetings. 

Appointment cancellations will be reduced. More Hybrid models will replace the existing singular OPD model. OPD will have two elements and one will be remote and then followed by in person. What happens in an actual scenario that a typical non-life-threatening issue comes up at work or home which needs medical attention. The appointment with the doctor and time off at work combined defers the visit most of the time to next week. This delay has its own downside and risk. In some instances, the problem sorts out by home remedies. Telehealth solves this problem and takes care of issues that never need to be treated and looked at in-person saving everyone financially.  

We have watched this play out during the early months of the pandemic. The pandemic has flipped the switch for patients who had grown accustomed to traditional doctors’ visits. But now that many people have tried out virtual care, some are reluctant to give it up. This will force providers to change the model and be ready to service the hybrid way.

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Clothing drives

Clothing Drives for Secondhand Donation: Serving Society Sustainably

Clothing is a basic human need, yet millions of people across India lack access to adequate apparel, especially during extreme weather conditions. At the same time, urban households discard large volumes of wearable clothing each year. Clothing drives for secondhand donation bridge this gap by connecting surplus with need in a dignified, sustainable manner.

These initiatives are not merely charitable activities. They represent a structured approach to social responsibility, environmental stewardship and community wellbeing.

 

The Growing Need for Clothing Donation in India

India faces significant socio-economic disparity.

According to government and NGO data:

  • millions live below the poverty line

  • seasonal weather exposes vulnerable populations to health risks

  • access to basic clothing remains inconsistent

Clothing insecurity directly affects dignity, health and social participation.

 

Environmental Impact of Textile Waste

The fashion and textile industry is among the largest contributors to environmental pollution.

Textile waste leads to:

  • landfill accumulation

  • water pollution from dyes

  • increased carbon footprint

Reusing clothing through donation significantly reduces environmental strain.

 

Why Secondhand Clothing Matters

Secondhand clothing extends the lifecycle of garments.

Benefits include:

  • reduced demand for new production

  • conservation of water and energy

  • lower environmental emissions

According to sustainability studies, reuse has a far lower environmental cost than recycling or disposal.

Social Impact of Clothing Drives

Clothing donation drives provide:

  • protection from heat, cold and rain

  • improved hygiene and comfort

  • enhanced dignity and self-esteem

For recipients, clean, appropriate clothing supports physical health and social inclusion.

 

Role of Clothing Drives in Community Wellbeing

Community-based donation drives:

  • encourage collective responsibility

  • foster empathy and awareness

  • strengthen social bonds

When organised locally, they ensure relevance and timely distribution.

 

Corporate and Institutional Participation

Many organisations integrate clothing drives into CSR initiatives.

Benefits for organisations include:

  • measurable social impact

  • employee engagement

  • alignment with sustainability goals

EY-FICCI CSR reports highlight employee-driven social initiatives as highly effective engagement tools.

 

How to Organise an Effective Clothing Drive

Successful drives follow structured processes.

Key steps include:

  • clear communication on donation guidelines

  • segregation by size, gender and season

  • quality checks for usability

  • hygienic packing and storage

Organisation ensures dignity for recipients.

 

Importance of Quality and Dignity

Donations should always respect the recipient.

Essential guidelines:

  • clothes must be clean and wearable

  • damaged or unusable items should be excluded

  • culturally appropriate clothing should be prioritised

Dignified donation builds trust and respect.

 

Seasonal Relevance of Clothing Drives

Seasonal drives maximise impact.

Examples include:

  • winter clothing drives

  • monsoon protection apparel

  • school clothing collections

Timing ensures practical usefulness.

 

Health and Wellbeing Benefits

Adequate clothing reduces:

  • exposure-related illnesses

  • skin infections

  • respiratory conditions during cold weather

WHO recognises appropriate clothing as a basic determinant of health.

Sustainability and Circular Economy

Clothing drives support a circular economy by:

  • keeping materials in use longer

  • reducing waste generation

  • encouraging responsible consumption

They align with global sustainability goals.

Community Partnerships and NGOs

Collaborating with NGOs ensures:

  • efficient distribution

  • identification of genuine needs

  • transparency and accountability

Partnerships amplify reach and impact.

Measuring the Impact of Clothing Drives

Impact can be assessed through:

  • number of beneficiaries

  • quantity of clothing reused

  • environmental waste reduction

  • community feedback

Data-driven evaluation improves future initiatives.

Challenges and How to Address Them

Common challenges include:

  • poor-quality donations

  • storage and logistics issues

  • uneven distribution

Clear guidelines and partnerships help overcome these barriers.

Long-Term Value of Sustainable Donation Drives

Regular clothing drives:

  • normalise responsible disposal habits

  • build sustainable communities

  • encourage conscious consumption

They move society from waste to welfare.

 

Integrating Clothing Drives with Broader Wellness Initiatives

Clothing drives complement:

  • health camps

  • nutrition programs

  • community wellness initiatives

Holistic approaches improve overall social wellbeing.

 

Conclusion

Clothing drives for secondhand donation represent a powerful intersection of compassion and sustainability. By redirecting wearable clothing to those who need it most, these initiatives protect dignity, improve health outcomes and reduce environmental impact. In a society striving for sustainable development, organised clothing donation drives serve as practical, high-impact actions that benefit communities and the planet alike. When individuals and organisations come together to serve responsibly, small acts of reuse create lasting social change.

 

References

  • World Health Organization (WHO) – Social Determinants of Health Reports
  • Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Environmental and Community Health Studies
  • NITI Aayog – Sustainability and Social Impact Frameworks
  • EY-FICCI – Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability Reports
  • Statista – Textile Waste and Sustainability Data
  • UN Environment Programme – Sustainable Consumption and Circular Economy

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