Covid-19: India provides medicines, supplies to Myanmar

By Niren Dev

New Delhi, May 5, 2020: India on May 5 handed over medical equipment, medicines, and other supplies to the Myanmar government’s Ministry of Health and Sports.

The gesture was to support Myanmar’s Healthcare System as part of the Indian government’s efforts in the global fight against Covid-19. The
“The Government of India stands in solidarity with the people and the Government of Myanmar in the wake of the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic,” said a tweet from Indian embassy in Myanmar.

On behalf of the Government of India, envoy Saurabh Kumar handed over medical equipment, medicines, and other supplies to the Ministry of Health and Sports at Yangon Airport.

“These medical supplies are reflective of the united effort needed to combat this disease. The contribution is indicative of the traditionally warm and friendly ties between India and Myanmar and would augment Myanmar’s determined efforts to fight the pandemic,” the embassy said.

During the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, India helped stranded Indians from Wuhan, Tehran and other places.

in March, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar visited Srinagar and met parents of some students who were in coronavirus affected Iran.

Jaishankar summed up the situation calling it “an exceptional situation that requires an exceptional response.”

Myanmar on May 4 reported that six more patients tested positive for Covid-19, bringing the total cases to 161.

On April 30, during his tele talks with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, state counselor of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, Prime Minister Modi had assured all “possible support” for the Myanmar citizens living in India. Modi also thanked the state counselor for the Myanmar authorities’ help to Indians in Myanmar.

“The leaders agreed to remain in touch and work together to address the present and future challenges posed by COVID-19,” an MEA statement has said.

Both the leaders had discussed the evolving Covid-19 scenario in the domestic and regional contexts and updated each other on the steps being taken to control the spread of the pandemic.