Singapore sends oxygen cylinders to support India's fight against COVID-19
What's the story
The Singapore government has sent a consignment of oxygen cylinders to support India's COVID-19 pandemic response, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Wednesday. The Republic of Singapore Air Force is transporting the cylinders on board two C-130 aircraft from Singapore to West Bengal, according to a report by Channel News Asia. Here are more details.
Details
We must work collectively to support each other: Dr. Osman
Second Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr. Maliki Osman handed over the two planeloads of oxygen cylinders to India's High Commissioner P Kumaran at Paya Lebar Air Base on Wednesday. "We have all witnessed how this pandemic is a transboundary threat. It gives no regard for country, nationality, or race. This is exactly why we must work collectively to support each other," Dr. Osman said.
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Supply chain between India, Singapore remained open throughout the pandemic
"Singapore and India share a close relationship," Dr. Osman said, thanking the Indian government for continuing to work with Singapore throughout the pandemic by keeping supply chains open and essential goods flowing.
Solidarity
Singaporeans stand in solidarity with Indians: Dr. Osman
"While our contribution is modest, we hope that it will bring comfort and relief to those in need and encourage those on the frontline in India, who are working tirelessly, to fight on. I have no doubt that the fighting spirit of the Indian people will prevail," Dr. Osman said. He said that Singaporeans are standing in solidarity with Indians, The Straits Times reported.
Information
Delhi will import 18 oxygen tankers from Thailand and France
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday had announced that the city government has decided to import 18 oxygen tankers from Bangkok, Thailand while France will send 21 ready-to-use oxygen plants. Delhi hospitals have been facing acute oxygen shortage over the past few days.
Oxygen concentrators
7,511 oxygen concentrators, 516 BiPAP ventilators supplied so far
Singapore investment firm Temasek has also sent medical equipment while Indian Air Force also sourced out four cryogenic oxygen cylinders from Singapore which landed in West Bengal on Saturday. So far, 7,511 oxygen concentrators, 516 BiPAP ventilators, and other medical supplies have been supplied by several companies and foundations in Singapore to India, according to "Singapore in India," Singapore's official diplomatic mission in India.
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Singapore's Red Cross Society organized a fundraiser for India
The Straits Times reported that Singapore's Red Cross Society has also organized a fundraiser for India on Wednesday. On Monday, the Singapore Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Little Shopkeeper's Association also donated money, which will be directed to the fundraiser.
COVID-19 cases
India reported more than 3.6 lakh fresh COVID-19 cases
India is struggling with a second wave of the pandemic with more than 3,00,000 daily new coronavirus cases being reported in the past few days, and hospitals in several states are reeling under a shortage of medical oxygen and beds. India saw a record single-day rise of 3,60,960 coronavirus cases, which pushed the total tally to 1,79,97,267, while the death toll stands at 2,01,187.