SWFL nurse heading to India to help fight COVID-19 crisis

FORT MYERS, Fla. — Millions of people are suffering in India, with high COVID-19 case numbers and low levels of medical supplies. A Southwest Florida nurse is doing her part to help.

Sonal Payne will travel with dozens of nurses to the country’s capital for a month-long trip. She was born and raised in India, and pursued her nursing career after moving to the United States. 

Payne said updates from her family and friends living in India have gotten worse over time. 

“Talking to my friends who are very well-affiliated and have a lot of money and everything,” Payne said. “And even they are having a hard time finding beds. It’s just a lack of resources and everything.”

She wants to provide the support she said Indian caregivers brought to the states at the peak of the pandemic. 

“We had a lot of doctors come from India, who came and volunteered and helped us here,” she said. “So I think it’s our time to go there and return the favor.”

The nurses are waiting on Indian officials to approve their permits. Once they have them, they’ll set off for New Delhi this summer. Payne said some nurses could choose to stay longer and help.

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