“Do not abuse good deeds” Rinat Akhmetov said about the coronavirus, acts of heroism by doctors, cohesion and everyone’s duty

On 16 March, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy gathered the country’s leading business figures in his office to ask for help against the coronavirus. One of the participants of the closed meeting was Rinat Akhmetov. In an interview with Ukrayinska Pravda the main philanthropist of Ukraine revealed the details of the conversation with the head of the state and told how business and government are fighting against the coronavirus.

“SCM is a social responsible business, and we never passed by any troubles. Moreover, we will not do it now. There are cities all over Ukraine where our enterprises operate. Thus, our duty is to help, and that is what we did in the past and what we will do in the future. I have been working for charitable causes not for the first year or even the first decade. I have a solid team, and we know exactly what to do. We will purchase at least 200 artificial lung ventilation devices and other equipment as it will further be informed by my Charitable Foundation,” Rinat Akhmetov said answering the journalistic questions. He emphasized that the task of replacing power is not worth it and the only motive that drives it is the desire to help Ukraine and the Ukrainians.

According to Rinat Akhmetov, his team representatives, SCM businesses as well as Charitable Foundation are integrated in the work of the anti-crisis headquarters in the regions and cities. However, he refused to give an estimation of the regional medicine condition and epidemic preparedness.

“Such estimates must be given by doctors,” Rinat Akhmetov said.

The Founder of the Foundation Rinat Akhmetov admitted that he always tries to see something good even in the most challenging situations:

“At this point I am amazed at the heroism of everyone on the ground: we all have teamed up for the sake of one goal. The round-the-clock work by local authorities and other services deserve great respect. Last but not least, the acts of heroism by doctors astound. They risk their lives to save people.”

Rinat Akhmetov said that neither Volodymyr Zelenskyy nor the Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine called him with any questions regarding any actions taken to fight the coronavirus.

“However, my conscience calls me asking what we have done for people and what else is there to do. These are the most important calls,” he said.

Rinat Akhmetov allocated 300 million UAH to prevent the possible epidemic. He emphasized that he did not expect any gratitude from the state.

“Let us not abuse good deeds. Business does not need anything from the President or the government. All the business needs is equal rules of the game and fair competition. We aim at making Ukraine and strong and successful, and Ukrainians – happy. I always did charity work and never asked for anything in return. All I want is to see people get better and keep healthy. And if you are suddenly ‘addicted’, then let it be to FC Shakhtar, when the Ukrainian Championship and European cups will be rescheduled.

The Rinat Akhmetov Foundation buys 320,000 coronavirus rapid tests for the whole country. In the shortest possible time, they will be transferred to the Stabilization Fund initiated by the President of Ukraine. Moreover, at least 200 artificial lung ventilation devices needed to save lives and other equipment will be additionally purchased.

Back in February, by the personal decision of Rinat Akhmetov, the Foundation was the first in the country to respond to the global threat of the coronavirus epidemic. The equipment to treat the complications from COVID-19 effectively has already been purchased and transferred to the Ministry of Health. These are high-quality artificial lung ventilation devices SERVO-I UNIVERSAL and SERVO AIR and oxygen concentrators from Swedish manufacturing companies.

The Foundation has also purchased and transferred personal protective equipment for Ukrainian doctors: a unique insulating mobile box to transport infectious patients EgoZlin biobag EBV, a protective biological and anti-chemical suit with an EOBO-20 EgoZlin filter and ventilation unit, protective disposable overalls from chemicals, infrared thermometers with a laser pointer, multilayer respirators, face masks, and goggles.

Furthermore, the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation in cooperation with the Ministry of Digital Transformation created an educational TV-series for teachers named “Quarantine: Online Services for Teachers”. It helps master all available algorithms that will help build the correct and effective work with the students and parents during the quarantine period. A series of video courses is uploaded on the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation's Facebook page and Youtube channel.