Australia to provide emergency medical supplies to India amid Covid-19 crisis

After consultations with the Indian government, Australia’s initial support package will include rapid deployment of 500 non-invasive ventilators and the capacity to deploy up to 3,000 ventilators.

The Morrison Government has agreed to provide emergency medical supplies to India in its crippling fight against the Covid-19 crisis as their humanitarian response. The recent development comes after consultations with the Indian government and the initial package of support includes rapid deployment of 500 non-invasive ventilators, with the capacity to deploy up to a total of 3,000 ventilators.

The current Covid-19 situation in India has grabbed the headlines and several nations across the globe have come forward to help the country.

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On Monday, Australian Health Minister Greg Hunt reportedly confirmed that the federal government will send oxygen, ventilators, and personal protective equipment (PPE) to India as part of an immediate support package to the country – battling the second wave of the novel Coronavirus.

The Australian Government on Tuesday, detailed the medical supplies and mentioned that a significant package of PPEs, including one million surgical masks, will be dispatched. Furthermore, 500,000 P2/N95 masks, 100,000 surgical gowns, 100,000 goggles, 100,000 pairs of gloves & 20,000 face shields will be dispatched to India, reported the news agency ANI.

The Morrison Government has agreed to commence procurement of 100 oxygen concentrators, along with tanks and consumables. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade will reportedly manage the movement of PPE kits and other equipment over the next week.

The Australian government pointed out that they are standing with Australians in India and we recognise the difficulties they face. The Hardship Program and Consular Support continue to be available to Australians in India, suggest the media reports.

Earlier in the day, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced a temporary ban on direct passenger flights from India, as the South Asian nation continues to grapple with a massive surge in Covid-19 infections.

PM Morrison said the suspension would remain in place until at least May 15 due to “clearly present” risks of travel from India, leaving thousands of Australians – including high-profile cricketers – stranded, reported NDTV.

Recent reports suggest that passengers on all future flights will be required to have both a negative COVID-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test result and a negative Rapid Antigen test result before taking off.

Once flights restart, the Government will prioritise the return of vulnerable Australians. Already almost 20,000 registered Australians have returned from India since the pandemic began.