New Delhi (NVI): As it struggles to tackle the second wave of coronavirus, India continues to receive medical supplies like oxygen concentrators from various countries, including the US, UK and UAE, which are desperately needed to save lives in view of acute shortage.
Supplies, including over 500 oxygen concentrators from the US and 450 oxygen cylinders reached India today by special flights, strengthening efforts to meet the growing demand for such items as the number of corona patients continues to increase.
From the US, the fifth emergency shipment was received in as many days. The consignment, besides over 500 oxygen concentrators, also included over one lakh N95 masks.
The previous consignment contained 125,000 vials of the antiviral drug Remdesivir, with the US saying “there are more life-saving supplies on the way”.
Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who is on a visit to London, met US Secretary of State Antony Blinken there last night.
The two discussed ways to address the COVID-19 challenge and deepening the U.S.-India comprehensive global strategic partnership.
“Good to meet in person my old friend @SecBlinken. Detailed discussion on the global Covid challenge, focussing on expanded vaccine production capacity and reliable supply chains,” Jaishankar tweeted later.
“Expressed appreciation for the strong US support to India at this difficult time, especially oxygen and Remdesivir. Our meeting also covered issues of Indo-Pacific, UN Security Council, Myanmar and climate change,” he added in another tweet.
“Met today with @DrSJaishankar to discuss our joint efforts to combat COVID-19 and to advance our broader comprehensive global strategic partnership. India is a close friend and partner, and I look forward to further deepening the unique partnership between our two nations,” Blinken tweeted later.
“Secretary Blinken and Minister Jaishankar reviewed recent efforts in the fight against COVID-19, including U.S. assistance to India, and expressed appreciation for each country’s support throughout the pandemic,” said a statement issued by the US State Department.
“The Secretary reaffirmed India’s important role when it comes to the climate crisis and as a leading partner in the Indo-Pacific. They also discussed ways to deepen cooperation in multilateral fora, including at the U.N. Security Council and as a G7 guest country. Secretary Blinken and Minister Jaishankar looked forward to continued U.S.-India cooperation on the full range of bilateral and global issues,” it added.
From UK, an IAF transport aircraft brought 450 oxygen cylinders this morning. The aircraft was one of the two IAF planes sent to bring the life-saving equipment.
It was the fifth shipment. Yesterday, the fourth consignment of medical supplies contained 60 ventilators.
Earlier, UK High Commissioner to India Alex Ellis had tweeted, “UK will send 1,000 more ventilators for use in India’s hospitals, in addition to 200 ventilators, 495 oxygen concentrators and 3 oxygen generation units announced last week. Businesses & civil societies are also coming forward as UK stands with India against Covid.”
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said, “We stand by our friends in India during these difficult times.”
From Ireland, India received the second shipment, including 2 oxygen generators, 548 oxygen concentrators, 365 ventilators & other medical equipment.
A consignment of medical supplies was also received from UAE. It contained 7 ISO tankers with 20 MT Liquid Medical Oxygen (LMO) each. The shipment arrived at Mundra Port.
Kuwait sent a shipment of 282 oxygen cylinders, 60 oxygen concentrators, ventilators and other medical supplies which arrived today.
