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Re:Ask HN: How best to help offshore colleagues survive Covi... by csomar on Friday June 19, 2020 @12:13PM (#23575884)
Do they need money for groceries or they are already covering that? Unless you can help in private medical expenses or they need groceries/rent money, I'm not sure any help is possible, realistically speaking.

Also some government around the world took over private medical facilities especially in developing countries. So it can be a moment where both poor and wealthy have equal access unless they are politically connected. Add to that if India is experiencing a surge, maybe all medical facilities will be busy whether free or paid.

This is a matter of randomness (or fate if you believe in God) and unless you are there (in Mumbai) or can be there (which might not be feasible as flights are restricted world-wide) I don't think you can do much.

If money is what he needs and you suspect he's avoiding to ask, I'll just insist instead of buying him stuff online. I think he (and his family) will make better decisions with the money.

Re:Ask HN: How best to help offshore colleagues survive Covi... by rfreytag on Friday June 19, 2020 @04:30PM (#23578590)
As long as my friend is mobile they have food and medical options. My concern is and has been what happens if he becomes ill and must either isolate himself or is hospitalized. In that latter case I needed ways to reach out remotely and support him and his family. This thread has provided some helpful options previously unknown to me.

Thank you!