France delivers its largest COVID-19 aid to India with 28 tonnes of medical supplies
New Delhi: A French cargo flight carrying 28 tonnes of medical supplies, including eight large oxygen generation plants landed in India today to help the country in its fight against the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The medical supply consisted of 500 anti-bacterial filters, 200 electric syringe pumps, 28 ventilators, 8 oxygen generators, 500 machine filters, 28 BS Flexible tubes and other medical supplies.
The eight hospital-level oxygen generators will bolster the oxygen supply in the country with each unit having the capacity to provide uninterrupted year-long oxygen for 250 beds. Having equipped with state-of-art technology like ramps for oxygen refill, the generators would make 8 hospitals oxygen autonomous for more than 10 years. Six oxygen plants will be delivered in Delhi, one in Haryana and one in Telangana.
“A testament to India-France strategic partnership & friendship! 28 tonnes of medical equipment including 8 hospital-level oxygen generators and other medical supplies arrives from France. Deeply appreciate the support from France. Will bolster our oxygen capacities,” read one of the tweets of Arindam Bagchi, Spokesperson, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
According to a press statement by French Embassy in New Delhi, the airfreight sent by France is the first phase of the country’s solidarity mission. Additionally, a second consignment of oxygen generators and medical equipment is underway with the contributions made by French companies in India along with the active participation of the Indo-French Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IFCCI).
Interacting with the media, French Ambassador to India Emmanuel Lenain said,” The Covid-19 medical aid to India is a ‘gesture of solidarity’. India had helped us last year when hospitals in France were in dire need of medical drugs and people of France remembered that.”
Taking about the medical assistance, Lenain asserted that it is the largest package provided by France to any country, as it will only service the short-term needs but also equipment medical liked oxygen generation plants would provide autonomy to India hospitals.
(PBNS)
