India sends HCQ and sterile surgical gloves to Bangladesh

On April 27, 2020, India sent 1 lakh Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) tablets, 50,000 sterile surgical gloves and other emergency medical supplies to Bangladesh.

Highlights

Earlier, India had provided 15,000 head covers and 30,000 surgical masks to Bangladesh in the first tranche of assistance under COVID-19 emergency funds. The HCQ tablets and surgical gloves are the second tranche of medical supplies being provided under the funds.

The emergency fund was created by PM Modi during his interaction with the SAARC leaders on March 15, 2020.

SAARC

Following SAARC video conference, the health representatives and trade representatives of the SAARC grouping discussed about trade facilitations and also about exchanging best practices to fight COVID-19 on April 8.

Role of AIIMS

The All India Institute of Medical Science held a webinar for the SAARC medical professionals. During the webinar, the health professional at AIIMS shared their knowledge in COVID-19 management and also in capacity building. The initiative is being held under ITEC of India.

COVID-19 Emergency Fund

The fund was created by PM Modi with India contributing 10 million USD. Maldives and Bhutan contributed 200,000 USD and 100,000 USD respectively towards the funds. Pakistan had contributed 3 million USD. Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Nepal have contributed 1.5 million USD each. So far, the funds accumulated is 21.8 million USD.

Month: Current Affairs - April, 2020