Kathmandu: Ten ICU ventilators were gifted by the Indian Army on Sunday to the Nepali Army in order to support its efforts to fight against the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic. Vinay Mohan Kwatra, Ambassador of India to Nepal, presented the ventilators to Sukeertimaya Rastradeep General Purna Chandra Thapa, Chief of Army Staff, Nepali Army and Honorary General of Indian Army in a ceremony held at Nepali Army Headquarters.
“India hands over ten ventilators worth Rs 28 million to Nepal. It was handed over to Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Purna Chandra Thapa by Indian Ambassador to Nepal Vinay Mohan Kwatra in a ceremony at Grand Hall, Army Headquarters on Sunday,” said Indian Embassy in Nepal.
According to a statement issued by the Embassy, “These ventilators are designed for a broad range of applications to include advanced invasive or non-invasive respiratory support. They can be used in support of secondary care in hospitals with ICU, tertiary multi-specialty hospitals and dedicated ICUs. Further, due to their compact nature, they are portable and handy in transportation of patients requiring intensive care.”
“The Indian army has a long record of extending support to the Nepali Army as a first responder for humanitarian assistance and relief. The gifting of ventilators is part of this continued humanitarian cooperation between the two Armies,” the statement read.
“During the handing over, Ambassador Kwatra reaffirmed India’s commitment to provide all necessary help to the people of Nepal in prevailing over the pandemic.” it added.
Nepal’s coronavirus tally stands at 22,592 with a death toll of 72 so far.
TEN ICU VENTILATORS GIFTED TO NEPALI ARMY. Details at: https://t.co/YldPDuQFkQ pic.twitter.com/dA5tXnZ4LQ
— IndiaInNepal (@IndiaInNepal) August 9, 2020