Prince Charles ‘deeply saddened’ by India’s COVID-19 death surge
London [UK], April 28 (ANI): Prince Charles said Wednesday that he is “deeply saddened” by the surge in coronavirus deaths in India.
Noting that Indian aid and ingenuity has been a support to other countries through this immensely difficult time, he said as India has helped others, so now must we help India.
In a message to the people of India, Prince Charles said: “For well over a year the pandemic has had a devastating impact on so many of us around the world. This week, I have been deeply saddened by the tragic images we have all seen as COVID-19 takes its horrific toll in India.”
He added that he has a “great love for India” and that he wanted “those suffering the effects of this pandemic in India to know that they are in my thoughts and prayers.”
Stressing that “together we will win this battle”, he said, “I do hope that even more of us might be able to provide support to help those in India in their time of need.”
With support from the Indian diaspora, the British Asian Trust, a charity Charles founded in 2007, has launched an Emergency Appeal for India to channel this desire to do something about this terrible situation and help save lives. Many members of the diaspora, and others including businesses, trusts and foundations, have already come together behind this appeal.
It is to mention that the shipment of vital medical supplies from the United Kingdom, including 100 ventilators and 95 oxygen concentrators as part of COVID-19 assistance, arrived in India on Tuesday, said the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
“International cooperation at work! Appreciate the shipment of vital medical supplies from UK including 100 ventilators and 95 oxygen concentrators that arrived early this morning,” tweeted Arindam Bagchi, official spokesperson, MEA.
Canada pledges $10M donation to Indian Red Cross to fight COVID-19
Expressing solidarity over the unprecedented medical emergency India is fighting against COVID-19, Canada offered USD 10 million to Indian Red Cross to support and procure essential supplies.
Canadian Minister Karina Gould of International Development offered medical supplies and other essentials to India.
According to an official statement, “Today, Karina Gould, Minister of International Development, announced that Canada is providing USD 10 million in funding for humanitarian assistance to the Canadian Red Cross to support the Indian Red Cross Society’s response to the devastating situation unfolding in India.”
“Canada’s contribution will support the procurement of essential supplies and medicines, including oxygen cylinders for clinics and ambulances,” the release added.
Canada is working with its partners and international organisations to control the spread of COVID-19 around the world. This is vital to helping those affected by the pandemic and protecting their health and safety.
Canadians wishing to donate to emergency efforts in India can do so through the Canadian Red Cross.
“Canada stands with the people of India as they go through these difficult times. This funding will help meet some of the most urgent medical needs like purchasing and distributing essential supplies as well as supporting vital blood and ambulance services,” Karina Gould said.
As India fights against the unprecedented health crisis of COVID-19, countries like the US, UK, EU, France, and Germany have offered help.
Oxygen containers and cryogenic tanks are being shipped and airlifted from Dubai, Singapore, US, along with other essential medical aids to produce vaccines.
India reported over 3.60 lakh fresh COVID-19 cases and close to 3,300 related deaths in the last 24 hours.
A total of 3,60,960 new COVID-19 cases, 3,293 related deaths, and 2,61,162 recoveries were reported in the last 24 hours, taking the total active cases to 29,78,709, as per the health ministry update on Wednesday morning.
South Korea to support India’s fight against COVID-19 pandemic
Amid the record rise in COVID-19 cases in India, the South Korean government has decided to provide medical supplies to India to help save lives in the face of the pandemic.
“Consultations are underway with the Indian side with regard to the specific medical items in need, such as oxygen concentrators. The Korean government will continue to closely cooperate with India, our Special Strategic Partner, in its fight against COVID-19,” the Embassy of the Republic of Korea said in a press release.
This comes as India reported over 3.60 lakh fresh COVID-19 cases and 3,293 related deaths in the last 24 hours.
Several countries around the world have come forward to help India as it continues to struggle with the increase in its health infrastructure needs caused by the rising coronavirus cases.
On Tuesday, the World Health Organisation (WHO) had said that it has bolstered its COVID-19 response in India by redeploying 2,600 health experts from other programs to counter the recent daily spike in cases and deaths.
In an email to CNN, WHO spokesperson Tarik Jasarevic said: “As is true in any country, WHO has said the combination of relaxing of personal protective measures, mass gatherings and more contagious variants while vaccine coverage is still low can create a perfect storm.”
The health body also said that the problem of hospital overcrowding is being aggravated by patients who may not need to be there.
Russia to send emergency aid to India including 20 oxygen production units
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday informed Prime Minister Narendra Modi of his country’s decision to send emergency humanitarian aid to India in the wake of surge in COVID-19 cases in the second wave of the pandemic.
The two leaders held telephone conversation in which they welcomed the registration of the Russian Sputnik V vaccine in India.
“Vladimir Putin supported Narendra Modi during this difficult period of combatting the spread of the #coronavirus and informed him of the decision to send emergency humanitarian aid to India,” Kremlin said in a statement.
“In particular, already today flights of the Russian Emergencies Ministry will deliver over 22 tonnes of necessary equipment, such as 20 oxygen production units, 75 lung ventilators, 150 medical monitors and 200,000 packs of medicine,” the statement added.
It said the leaders welcomed the registration of the Russian Sputnik V vaccine in India and noted its high efficiency and safety. “They also expressed their satisfaction with the fact that the Russian Direct Investment Fund had reached an agreement with Indian companies to produce Sputnik V. The production is to begin in May,” the statement said.
Switzerland to send medical supplies to help India tackle COVID-19
Switzerland through the Swiss humanitarian aid will send medical supplies to help India tackle COVID-19 crisis.
According to the Swiss Embassy in India, the medical supplies includes oxygen concentrators, ventilators and other medical equipment. However, this material will be distributed with the support of the Indian Red Cross Society.
“Switzerland through the Swiss humanitarian aid will send medical supplies to India. This will include oxygen concentrators, ventilators and other medical equipment. This material will be distributed with the support of the Indian Red Cross Society. Switzerland stands in solidarity with India in these challenging times,” Swiss Embassy in India said in the statement.
Switzerland will also send ventilators, 600 oxygen concentrators and other medical equipment to India to combat the current COVID-19 crisis.
Taking to the twitter, Embassy of Switzerland to India said, “Switzerland will send ventilators, 600 oxygen concentrators and other medical equipment to combat the current Covid19 crisis. #Strongertogether #SwitzerlandwithIndia.”
WHO, UNICEF provide equipment, supplies to help India fight pandemic
The United Nations on Wednesday said that UN bodies including the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF are supporting India‘s response to the pandemic by providing equipment and supplies, including 7,000 oxygen concentrators and 500 nasal devices for oxygen supply.
“Our support to India during the current surge in COVID-19 cases. Our team there, led by Resident Coordinator Renata Lok Dessallien, is supporting the authorities’ response to the pandemic by providing equipment and supplies, including to local governments,” UN spokesperson said in a statement.
“The World Health Organization and UNICEF are procuring equipment and supplies, including 7,000 oxygen concentrators and 500 nasal devices for oxygen supply, as well as oxygen generating plants, COVID-19 testing machines, and personal protective kits,” the statement read.
Some 2,600 WHO field officers have been immediately deployed to support health authorities to curb the spread of the pandemic, UN spokesperson said.
“In the western state of Maharashtra, the second most populous in India, UNICEF has engaged experts to work on risk governance. The UN team is also continuing its campaign highlighting the three Ws: Wear a mask, Wash your Hands, Watch your distance and stay six feet apart,” the UN added.
On Tuesday, WHO has also said that it has bolstered its COVID-19 response in India by redeploying 2,600 health experts from other programs to counter the recent daily spike in cases and deaths. (ANI)
