India gives drugs to struggling health sector
The Indian government has donated to Malawi assorted drugs and Covid-19 personal protective equipment (PPEs) worth $138 610 (about K114 million), an intervention that comes as public hospitals are battling against medicine shortages.
The package includes metronidazole, azithromycin, hydroxychloroquine, levocetirizine, ibuprofen chloroquine while the Covid-19 equipment consists of face masks, boxes of disposable gloves and infrared thermometers, among others.
to Chiponda
Presenting the supplies in Lilongwe yesterday, India High Commissioner Subbiah Gopalakrishnan said the donation was part of his nation’s 75th independence anniversary celebrations.
He said: “The pandemic has badly affected the lives of people and economies around the world, including India and Malawi. India continues to remain in touch with partners on dealing with the pandemic.
“Despite disturbances in international logistics, India has succeeded in its commitment by sending medical aid to friendly countries, including Malawi.”
The PPEs will be channelled to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for use during Southern Africa Development Community (Sadc) functions which will become a common fixture in the country since President Lazarus Chakwera is the bloc’s chairperson.
Minister of Health Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda said the donation will strengthen the government’s resolve in the fight against the pandemic.
She also hoped that the donation will help ease drug shortage problem. India has been a constant donor of medical supplies. In July 2020, it shipped in $2 million (K1.6bn) worth of essential drugs and in March this year, it donated 50 000 doses of Covid-19 vaccines.
