State hosp. to get French O2 plant

New Delhi/Hyderabad, May 2: As a deadly second wave of coronavirus infections continued to ravage various parts of India, several countries like France, Taiwan, Uzbekistan and Belgium on Sunday delivered to it medical supplies, including oxygen plants, while the US sent 1,25,000 vials of antiviral drug Remdesivir.

The French embassy said each of the eight plants can continuously supply oxygen to a 250bed hospital round-theclock for a dozen years and that they produce medical oxygen from ambient air.

“The oxygen plants will be delivered to 8 Indian hospitals, 6 in Delhi, one in Haryana and one in Telangana, based on needs as identified by the Indian authorities,” the French embassy said in a statement on Saturday.

French ambassador Emmanuel Lenain said more supplies will come soon from France and that both countries stand together in this fight against the pandemic.

The embassy said the medical supplies were worth more than Rs 17 crore.

“We stand by India in these difficult times, just as India has always stood by France. In Spring 2020, when French hospitals were facing acute shortages, India provided lifesaving help through the export of critical medical drugs,” Lenain said.

Spokesperson in the Ministry of External Affairs Arindam Bagchi said the assistance by France is a testament to the strategic partnership between the two countries.

“A testament to IndiaFrance strategic partnership & friendship! 28 tonnes of medical equipment including 8 hospitallevel oxygen generators and other medical supplies arrives from France. Deeply appreciate the support from France. Will bolster our oxygen capacities,” he tweeted.

Separately, Belgium also sent 9,000 vials of Remdesivir to India on Sunday. Taiwan also delivered 150 oxygen concentrators and 500 oxygen cylinders in reflection of its strong friendship with India.