NEW DELHI, Dec 25: In line with India’s promise that it will stand by its close friend and neighbour Bhutan in its fight against the pandemic, a shipment of COVID-19 RT-PCR test kits for 20,000 tests was delivered at Phuentsholing on Thursday.
Indian Ambassador to Bhutan Ruchira Kamboj stated, “India’s gesture to continue providing vital medical supplies reflects the special confidence and understanding relations between India and Bhutan that have existed for decades. In the future, India will continue to provide all necessary assistance to Bhutan to minimise the health and economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. India stands beside Bhutan. Together, we will fight the pandemic of COVID-19 into a sustainable recovery.”
India since the beginning of the pandemic in March 2020 has handed over eight shipments of medical supplies, including Paracetamol, Cetirizine, Hydroxychloroquine apart from medical equipment such as PPE kits, N95 caps, RT-PCR test kits, X-ray machines to Bhutan.
The 9th supply of these RT-PCR test kits will assist the Bhutan Ministry of Health in carrying out critical tests, given the recent introduction of a national lockdown in the region beginning December 24.
With the outbreak of COVID-19, India responded rapidly in reacting to and resolving problems facing the region. As a close friend and neighbour, India has given top priority to Bhutan’s requirements. India is also partnering with Bhutan to perform Phase III clinical trials of COVID-19 vaccine candidates.
(Venkatesh Iyer)