Canada sending medical supplies to support COVID-19 response in India. As the second and third waves of COVID-19 infections are having devastating impacts at home and in countries across the world, Canada continues to support the robust global effort to contain the virus and help meet the urgent medical needs of those most affected.
Today, Canada’s Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of National Defence, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Health, and the Honourable Karina Gould, Minister of International Development, announced that Canada is sending up to 25,000 vials of the antiviral remdesivir (brand name Veklury) and up to 350 ventilators from its National Emergency Strategic Stockpile to help respond to the critical situation across India.
This support complements Canada’s work with its international partners to respond to needs caused by this pandemic and to help save lives. The government is also providing support through UNICEF’s response to the pandemic in India with the urgent provision of 1,450 oxygen concentrators. The funds for these operations come partly from the $230-million contribution to the therapeutics pillar of the Access to COVID-19 Tools (ACT) Accelerator, announced in December 2020.
This support is in addition to Canada’s $10-million support to the Canadian Red Cross Society, which is supporting the Indian Red Cross Society’s procurement of essential supplies and medicines.
“After identifying the needs and requirements on the ground and how best Canada can assist, these requested medical supplies have been made available to help bring some relief to those affected by COVID-19 in India.” – Patty Hajdu, Minister of Health
The supplies identified for this donation will not compromise continued efforts of the COVID-19 response at home in Canada. The Canadian Armed Forces will provide airlift support to transport these supplies to India.
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