July 23, 2021
2 mins read

52 countries helped India during 2nd wave of Covid: Centre

“Donations were cleared through the Inter-Ministerial Committee that includes representatives of Ministry of Health, MEA, Niti Aayog, DPIIT, MHA, MoHFW, etc,” the Minister said…reports Asian Lite News.

A total of 52 countries came forward to help India when the nation was hit by the second wave of Covid-19, the government said on Thursday.

In a written reply to parliamentarian Binoy Viswam in Rajya Sabha, Minister of State (External Affairs) V.A. Muraleedharan said during the unprecedented crisis, the international community came forward with offers of solidarity and assistance for specific medicines and equipment that were not immediately available in the country.

He said that foreign materials from 52 countries have been received till date including from government to government, private to government, private to private, Indian community associations and companies.

“Donations were cleared through the Inter-Ministerial Committee that includes representatives of Ministry of Health, MEA, Niti Aayog, DPIIT, MHA, MoHFW, etc,” the Minister said.

Giving details of the assistance received, the minister said India received 27,116 oxygen cylinders, 29,327 oxygen concentrators, 48 Oxygen PSA plants and 19,375 ventilators from 52 foreign nations during the second Covid-19 wave.

The government also received 33,30,187 Favipiravir, 11,06,940 Remdesiver, 5,10,245 Tocilizumab from the foreign nations. A total of 19,88,985 rapid diagnostic kit was received during the Covid wave.

In February, when India had gotten Covid-19 under control from the peak of the first wave last year, a second wave of the virus hit the country with existing health infrastructure unable to cope up with the rise in cases.

On the ground, it was a heart-wrenching tragedy. Across the country, hospitals ran out of basic medical supplies and many patients died due to oxygen shortage. Family members were driving from clinic to clinic, frantically searching for ICU beds. Apart from that, people were looking for leads across the country for normal beds with oxygen facilities.

The government then sought help from the international community for oxygen supply. Indian Air Force transport planes were pressed into service, Indian Navy war ships were sent to friendly countries to get required medical needs of the time.

Eventually, the government started putting in all efforts to control the situation. And in June, the situation started improving with the number of cases coming down.

ALSO READ-Switzerland sends medical aid to India

READ MORE-‘Oxygen for India’: Canada planning more aid

Previous Story

Emirates takes off to Miami

Next Story

Saudi female officers stand guard in Mecca

Latest from -Top News

India, US Step Up Trade Talks

The development comes in the backdrop of the new US ambassador Sergio Gor taking charge in the US embassy is New Delhi….reports Asian Lite News India and the United States are progressing

Lanka Marks Next Phase of Indian Housing Drive

Phases III and IV of the Indian Housing Project highlight India’s commitment to supporting and empowering Sri Lanka’s Indian-origin Tamil community….reports Asian Lite News Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Sunday

Hamas Frees Captives

The Israeli Air Force announced that it has completed its preparations to receive hostages returning from Gaza to Israel….reports Asian Lite News The Red Cross has taken custody of the first group

China’s Grab for Africa

China’s investments aim to strengthen its geopolitical influence and its high-tech manufacturing sector in Africa…reports Asian Lute News China is further consolidating its dominance in the rare earth elements sector by expanding
Go toTop

Don't Miss

UP braces for high-stakes by-elections

The by-elections were necessitated by the elevation of nine assembly

India, UAE chase $100b trade dream

India and the UAE reaffirmed their CEPA partnership, setting a