Indian sub-continent working group available for assistance

In light of the recent surge of COVID-19 in the Indian sub-continent and the number of students, post-docs, residents and faculty from India and surrounding countries who have family there, the “Indian Sub-Continent COVID-19 Working Group” has been established in conjunction with campus leadership to offer support and help to those affected.

“Our hearts go out to our friends and colleagues whose loved ones are impacted by the recent surge of COVID-19 in India and the surrounding regions. We stand in solidarity with them and this working group to offer any assistance during this difficult time,” said UNMC Chancellor Jeffrey P. Gold, MD.

In addition to the campus resources, this group can serve as a guide and be of help to anyone with issues (here or in India and neighboring countries) relating to the current surge of COVID-19 in India.

The group consists of several UNMC faculty members with prior experience of service to the Indian sub-continent community and can be of assistance to address the unique needs of the community.

Those who are in need of help/assistance or just want to talk can reach out to the following:

• Vimla Band, PhD, chair, UNMC Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy
• Shantaram Joshi, PhD, professor, UNMC Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy
• Hamid Band, MD, PhD, Elizabeth Bruce Professor of Cancer Research, Eppley Institute
• Surinder Batra, PhD, chair, UNMC Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
• Iqbal Ahmad, PhD, professor, UNMC Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
• Rakesh Singh, PhD, professor, UNMC Department of Pathology and Microbiology
• Amar Natarajan, PhD, professor, Eppley Institute
• Chandra Are, MBBS, JL & CJ Varner Professor of Surgical Oncology & Global Health

Learn more about the ongoing COVID-19 crisis in India, including information on how to help, on the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin website.