The ventilators are among more than 600 life-saving medical equipment sent from the UK to India as the country battles an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson swore to “stay side by side” with India as he struggles with his greatest number of new dailies coronavirus cases to date since the start of the pandemic.
Sunday – for the fourth day in a row – India established a new world record for daily COVID infections.
India’s Ministry of Health reported 349,691 cases on Sunday, bringing the total to 16.96 million, just behind the we.
The surge in cases has been accompanied by severe shortages of medical oxygen in some areas, with hospitals warning they could run out within hours.
Following talks with Indian ministers, the UK will send a first shipment of supplies on Sunday – which is expected to arrive in New Delhi in the early hours of Tuesday – with further shipments to follow.
A total of nine air containers loaded with supplies – including 495 oxygen concentrators, 120 non-invasive ventilators and 20 manual ventilators – will be sent to India from the UK this week.
Mr Johnson, who was due to visit India this week but canceled trip amid spike in COVID cases, said: “We stand side by side with India as a friend and partner during what is a time of deep concern in the fight against COVID-19.
“Vital medical equipment, including hundreds of oxygen concentrators and ventilators, is now on its way from the UK to India to support efforts to prevent the tragic loss of life caused by this terrible virus.
“We will continue to work closely with the Indian government for …
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Source: news.sky.com
This notice was published: 2021-04-25 14:40:00
