New Delhi: Emerging as the first responder to disaster and taking forward its neighbourhood first policy a step ahead, India on Wednesday supplied life-saving medicines to Mauritius and Seychelles.
It sent the first consignment of four tonnes of medicine to be used in the fight against COVID-19. The consignment reached on Wednesday afternoon onboard a chartered Air India flight from New Delhi.
Based on a request from the Seychelles' government, the consignment consists of hydroxychloroquine and other medicines.
In a press communique, the High Commission of India in Seychelles said, "Hydroxychloroquine tablets, exports of which are otherwise restricted, are being provided as a special exemption to Seychelles. Health authorities worldwide have recommended hydroxychloroquine for COVID-19 patients with positive outcomes."
“This is yet another manifestation of India’s unwavering commitment to stand with Seychelles, in rain and in shine. Despite its own domestic challenges and constraints, India has always believed in sharing its resources and expertise with its friends and partners. This airlift also strengthens the spirit of cooperation between our two Governments based on India’s Neighbourhood First Policy and Seychelles’ India First Policy,” it added.
India had previously gifted lifesaving State-of-the-Art Medical Equipment worth USD 8.75 million in February 2018 which is now distributed across all the Hospitals and Health Clinics in Mahé, Praslin and La Digue.
India also provided half a million tablets of Hydroxychloroquine medicine to Mauritius as mark of longstanding special friendship between both the nations.
Vice Prime Minister of Mauritius Leela Devi Luchoomun Dookun received the consignment.
“The shipment was made possible as a special gesture although a restriction on its export from India continues to be in force in view of the unprecedented prevailing difficult situation because of Covid19 global pandemic,” the ministry of external affairs said.
The consignment is part of the 13 tons of essential lifesaving medicines that have been sent for Mauritius. This is the first such consignment of essential medicines and a second consignment will follow in coming weeks, it added.
Hydroxychloroquine is an anti-malarial drug being used by some doctors to treat COVID-19 patients, though clinical trials have yet to be carried out on the use of the medicine for COVID-19.
Some doctors report positive responses in patients, but the World Health Organisation last month cautioned that the drug remains unproven.
