The Government of India, at the forefront of the “Whole of government” approach to combat the ongoing COVID-19 has been receiving international donations and aid of COVID-19 relief medical supplies and equipment since 27^th April 2021 from different countries/organisations to augment its efforts in fighting the unprecedented surge of cases. Through a streamlined and systematic mechanism, various Ministries/Departments of Government of India have seamlessly collaborated for expeditiously delivering the incoming global aid to States and UTs.

Cumulatively, 10,953 Oxygen Concentrators; 13,169 Oxygen Cylinders; 19 Oxygen Generation Plants; 6,835 ventilators/Bi PAP; ~4.9L Remdesivir vials delivered/ dispatched through road and air, from 27th April 2021 to 14th May 2021.

Major consignments received on 13/14th May 2021 from USA, Italy, Canada, South Korea, Oman, British Oxygen Co. (UK), Koharu 3SP (Japan) & Gilead (USA) includes:

- Remdesivir: 68,810

- Tocilizumab: 1,000

- Vetilators/BiPAP/CPAP: 338

- Oxygen Cylinder: 900

- Oxygen Concentrators: 157

Effective immediate allocation, and streamlined delivery to the recipient states/UTs and institutions is an ongoing exercise. The Union Health Ministry is comprehensively monitoring this on a regular basis. A dedicated Coordination Cell has been created in the Union Health Ministry to coordinate the receipt and allocation of foreign COVID relief material as grants, aid and donations. This Cell started functioning from 26th April 2021. A Standard Operating Procedure has been framed and implemented by the Health Ministry since 2nd May, 2021.

Photo 1. OXYGEN CYLINDER RECEIVED FROM UK, Dispatched to Gujarat.

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MV