NZ gives $1m to ease India crisis
New Zealand will give $1 million to the Red Cross to assist India as it grapples with a Covid-19 surge that is killing thousands every day.
Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta yesterday announced the Government would give the money to the Red Cross, which was working in India to provide oxygen cylinders and other medical supplies. New Zealand stood ready to offer further support.
The Indian Government has not been actively seeking assistance from governments or organisations, though the High Commission to New Zealand said it was ‘‘not averse’’ to assistance being channelled through the Red Cross.
‘‘We believe a contribution to an international organisation that has a reputation for delivery is the most practical assistance we can make to India at this time,’’ Mahuta said.
‘‘This is a distressing and challenging time for the people of India, and we will work alongside the international community as we work to combat the debilitating impact of Covid-19.
‘‘We will continue to monitor the situation and stand ready to assist the Indian Government.’’
Mahuta said that, as well as providing oxygen cylinders and concentrators, the Red Cross was looking at scaling up its ambulance and blood service operations in India, and considering distributing personal protective equipment and hygiene kits.
The Covid-19 surge in India has become the worst in the world, with the country recording more than 300,000 new cases each day for more than six days in a row.
Data from Johns Hopkins University, which has been tracking the spread of Covid-19, shows the seven-day average of daily Covid-19 deaths in India was more than 2400 as of Monday.
The New Zealand Government recently suspended travel from India, due to concern the managed isolation system could not safely handle the number of people with Covid-19 coming from there.
The travel suspension lifted for New Zealand citizens, but not residents, yesterday.
India High Commission to New Zealand second secretary Paramjeet Singh said the Indian Government was not itself seeking assistance ‘‘but at the same time is not averse to offers of help from foreign governments that may be routed through the Indian Red Cross’’, he said.
‘‘India is indeed going through a difficult Covid-19 situation and deeply appreciates the solidarity shown by friendly countries.’’
He said India was running short of oxygen. ‘‘In case friendly countries wish to help, we would prefer oxygen generators, concentrators and cylinders at this point.’’
The United States and Britain
have in the past week committed to sending drug treatments, Covid-19 testing kits, ventilators and oxygen supplies to India.
Naendra Bhana, head of the Auckland Indian Association, said the situation in India was ‘‘unprecedented’’ and was being felt by Indian New Zealanders.
‘‘The real issue is they need supplies, they need oxygen supplies, hospital beds and medical supplies,’’ he said.
The Auckland Indian Association is trying to source medical supplies and oxygen cylinders, which are expected to cost more than $100,000.