India assists Guyana with US$1M for COVID-19 fight

The Government of India has allocated US$1 million from the “Quick Impact Development Project” that is being implemented jointly by the Health Ministry, the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to support Guyana’s response to COVID-19.

Present at Tuesday’s signing of the tripartite agreement were the Public Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony; the India High Commissioner, Dr KJ Srinivasa; PAHO/WHO Country Representative, Dr William Adu Krow and Resident Coordinator of the United Nations Development Programme, Mikiko Tanaka.
At the signing, Dr Frank Anthony thanked the Government of India for their partnership and donation to the healthcare system of Guyana during this global pandemic.

“The personal protective equipment (PPE) purchased under this fund will assist in preventing our frontline workers from becoming ill,” the Minister said.
He disclosed that Guyana will soon receive 29 ventilators as part of this donation, which will help the Ministry to save lives.

During his brief remarks, Dr Srinivasa said India and Guyana have always partnered for development and progress over the years. He further explained that the Government of India has been assisting many countries across the world as part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s efforts to coordinate the COVID-19 worldwide response.
He also highlighted that, thus far, a total of one hundred countries have benefited from medical equipment, personal protective equipment (PPE), emergency room medicines, and monetary aid.

Meanwhile, both Dr William Adu Krow and Mikiko Tanaka expressed their appreciation to the Government of India for their support to Guyana’s COVID-19 response.
Dr Adu Krow indicated that the quantity of medical supplies and PPE have already been procured and is expected to arrive in Guyana shortly. (G1)