New Delhi | Countries around the world have come forward to help India in its fight against the second wave of the coronavirus epidemic, as the virus is extremely virulent and has devastated the country in the last few weeks. According to official sources, the United States, Britain, France, Ireland, Australia, Germany, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand, UAE, Kuwait, and Russia have assured medical aid to India with much assistance on its way.
The UK is sending 495 oxygen concentrations, 120 non-invasive ventilators, and 20 manual ventilators this week. Of these, 100 ventilators and 95 oxygen concentrators have arrived on Tuesday.
France is sending relief material in two phases. In the first phase, eight large oxygen-producing units that can be installed quickly, this week are coming with liquid oxygen, 28 respirators and their consumables, and 200 electric syringe pushers. In the second phase, five liquid oxygen containers will arrive next week.
Similarly, Ireland is sending 700 oxygen concentrators this week.
Sources said that Germany is sending a mobile oxygen production unit, which will be made available for three months with 120 ventilators and 80 million KN 95 masks.
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced on Tuesday that his government would send 500 ventilators, 1 million surgical masks, 500,000 P2 and N95 masks, 100,000 goggles, 100,000 pairs of gloves and 20,000 face shields to India.
Kuwait and Russia have also committed to sending medical supplies.
Some medical supplies are also coming through private channels from different countries. For example, Singapore is shipping 500 bypasses, 250 oxygen concentrators, four cryogenic oxygen containers and other medical supplies.
Saudi Arabia’s 80 metric tons of liquid oxygen aid is coming by sea route, Hong Kong is sending 800 oxygen concentrators, while Thailand is sending four cryogenic oxygen tanks. India will also receive six cryogenic oxygen containers from the United Arab Emirates.
In addition, India’s Armed Forces Medical Service (AFMS) is importing 23 mobile oxygen production plants from Germany.
US President Joe Biden spoke to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on phone on Monday. Subsequently, the US has shown a commitment to provide emergency support, including oxygen-related supplies, vaccine supplies, and medicine.