The Andrews Labor Government has offered to donate 1,000 ventilators and supporting equipment to India to assist with efforts to respond to a devastating second wave of coronavirus.
The donation will be made to the Commonwealth medical stockpile and it is working with DFAT to deliver this support to India as the country works to manage a second wave of coronavirus and treat those infected.
The 1,000 ICU Ventilators are currently owned by the Department of Health and will be donated to India for humanitarian purposes, a statement from the Office of the Premier said.
The donation will not affect Victorian health services—the ventilators have been sourced from the centralised State Supply Chain and are currently stored in a warehouse that has a stock of over 4,000.
In addition to the ventilators the Labor Government is preparing to send a range of supporting equipment like connectors and humidifiers, with the total package valued at over $41 million.
Acting Premier James Merlino said, “The situation in India right now is devastating and shows that the fight against this pandemic is not over—we have a responsibility to help where we can and that’s exactly what we’re doing.”
Minister for Health Martin Foley said, “Thanks to strong stocks here in Victoria we are able to offer these ventilators to India and provide crucial support to thousands of people in India who are currently in desperate need.”
“Our thoughts are with everyone impacted by this unfolding tragedy and we hope this package will go some way to addressing the challenges India is facing right now,” added Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ros Spence
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