Ambassador of Australia to Nepal Felicity Volk handed over the medical goods donated by the Government of Australia to Nepal amidst a function organised today at the Tribhuvan International Airport to Chief of General Staff of the Nepal Army Lt. General Prabhu Ram Sharma.
The consignment of medical items worth of AUD $1.8 million that includes surgical masks, face shields and gloves, which were requested by the Nepal Army was brought by a Royal Australian Air Force flight to assist in the frontline response to the COVID-19 crisis was part of Australia’s regional effort to support Nepal, said the press release of the Australian Embassy in Kathmandu.
Besides Nepal, Australia also provided support to its friends in South Asia—India and Sri Lanka, it reads.
Recognising the important role of the Nepalese Army in delivering frontline health services to communities across the country, Australia has directed its supplies to support the work of the Army in hospitals, isolation centres and cremation grounds.
“Australia is joining with partners across the region to support urgent healthcare needs, including through the provision of PPE to protect those working on the frontlines of the health response,” said Australian envoy adding, “Australia and Nepal have a long-standing history of working together in times of crisis, and the assistance provided through today’s flight demonstrates the warmth that Australians have for the people of Nepal.”
This support is in addition to the AUD $7 million announced on May 21 which is enabling established NGOs to provide medical equipment and oxygen for hospitals and training for health workers.
The Australian Government continues to support the provision of safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines to Nepal, including through support to COVAX, stated the press release.
