In light of the alarming situation of coronavirus cases in India, more than 600 pieces of vital medical equipment will be sent to India to support the country at its darkest hour in the fight against COVID-19, the UK government has announced.
Funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development office, the assistance package comprises of ventilators and oxygen concentrators from surplus stocks. It will be used by the Indian government to provide critical medical care to those suffering from COVID-19.
The first shipment is due to leave the UK today and will arrive in New Delhi in the early hours of Tuesday morning. Further shipments are also due to follow later this week.
In total, nine airline container loads of supplies including 495 oxygen concentrators, 120 non-invasive ventilators and 20 manual ventilators will be sent to the country this week.
The equipment will prove to be extremely crucial in saving lives in India.
The oxygen concentrators can extract oxygen from the air in the atmosphere so that it can be provided to the patients, thereby mitigating pressure off hospital oxygen systems and allowing oxygen to be provided in situations where hospital oxygen supplies have run out.
“We stand side by side with India as a friend and partner during what is a deeply concerning time in the fight against COVID-19,” British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said in a tweet on Sunday.
Britain is working closely with the Indian government to identify further assistance it can provide in the coming days.
The country saw a new record high in the last twenty four hours with 3,52,991 fresh Covid cases and 2,812 deaths. Apart from Britain, the US, France and Germany have also offered support as the unprecedented surge continues to ravage the country’s hospitals.
