From Department of Health
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The Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly TD, the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD and the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Simon Coveney TD, along with the HSE and a number of state agencies have been working on a plan to offer assistance to India in response to the current severe COVID-19 outbreak there.
An emergency donation of vital emergency material, including 700 oxygen concentrators, is being made to India through the European Civil Protection Mechanism. Ireland’s contribution forms part of a coordinated EU response to provide rapid and tangible support and solidarity with India.
The donation is being made from stocks originally purchased by the HSE for use in a field hospital setting, as part of pandemic preparations. These devices draw oxygen from the air and deliver it to the patient at over 90% concentration.
Minister Donnelly said:
"We have all seen the rapidly deteriorating situation in relation to COVID-19 in India. I am pleased that Ireland is in a position to make this emergency donation of 700 oxygen concentrators to India. These machines will support frontline healthcare workers in India to deliver care to patients who need it. I am grateful to all those who have been working together over the weekend to make this life-saving donation happen.
"Transportation is being arranged through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism along with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the Department of Foreign Affairs through Irish Aid."
Minister O’Brien said:
"This emergency donation is another example of the Irish people’s extraordinary generosity of spirit and clear desire to want to help our international friends. I am keenly aware that many people living in Ireland have friends and family in India and are distressed at the very sad scenes we are witnessing there and I hope Government’s rapid response offers them some comfort."
Minister Coveney said:
"Ireland is among the first States to confirm concrete support to India. At a time of great difficulty for India, we want to show solidarity with a country and people with whom we have strong historical and modern day relations. We are glad to provide this support at a time of such need and to be doing so as part of a wider EU response."