Egypt sends 3 planes with medical aid to India amid coronavirus crisis

CAIRO – 10 May 2021: Three Egyptian military planes launched from the Eastern Cairo airbase carrying medical aid from the Egyptian health ministry to India, which is witnessing the worst coronavirus crisis in the world.

A statement by the military spokesman said “large quantities” of medical aid was sent but did not reveal the exact quantity or the kind of medical aid.

The military spokesman said the aid was sent as per the directives of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi.

“This is within the framework of contributing to alleviating the burden of the Indian people as a result of the rapid spread of the coronavirus and the high rates of infections and deaths,” the spokesman said.

This surge in infections and deaths is “in light of the current crisis and the severe shortage of medicine, medical supplies and preventive and protection tools,” the spokesman added.

“This aid comes in continuation of the pioneering Egyptian role toward these brotherly and friendly people from various countries and of providing continuous support and solidarity during the times of adversity and crises,” the spokesman added.

This is the second aid shipment Egypt sends to India in less than two weeks.

The Health Ministry on May 1 said it would send 30 tons of medical aid to India, which is fighting against one of the worst coronavirus crises ever, joining an international effort in this regard.

The aid, sent in cooperation with the Egyptian Armed Forces, contained 300 oxygen cylinders, 100 medical beds, 50 IV pumps, 50 IV syringes, 30 defibrillator, 20 ventilators, 20 electrocardiographs.

India on Sunday recorded 366,499 new coronavirus cases as it is hit by a devastating second coronavirus wave, bringing the total number of cases to more than 22.6 million.

Deaths also jumped by 3,748 on the same day bringing the total death toll to 246,146.

This surge in cases has overwhelmed hospitals and caused a shortage in medicines and oxygen as well as vaccine doses although India is the world's biggest producer of COVID-19 vaccines.

India in May also decided to purchase 300,000 doses of COVID-19 treatment “Remdesivir” from Egypt’s EVA Pharma.