India will provide medical oxygen to Nepal to help it tide over the shortage as coronavirus cases mount in the country. This was announced by Vinay Mohan Kwatra, the Indian Ambassador to Nepal on Monday.
The ambassador announced this at a virtual event during the inauguration of an isolation centre in Kathmandu. Analysts say that ambassador's remarks counter the perception in some quarters that an overstretched India can no longer help Nepal to alleviate its health crisis.
News Agency ANI quoted Kwatra as saying: "India will continue helping and assisting Nepal at the hour of crisis. 2.3 million doses of Covishield vaccine have already been delivered. Within another 8 to 10 days, tankers with liquid oxygen would arrive in Nepal". The ambassador added that the coronavirus pandemic only can be fought through a combined effort by people, communities and the government.
The ambassador tweeted about the event, saying: "Joining hands to fight COVID-19 in Nepal. Inaugurated a Quarantine/Mild Isolation Centre in Kathmandu for frontline workers run by @hss_nepal in coordination with @NepalMedAssoc, Sewa International Nepal, Aggrawal Sewa Kendra & Upkar Sewa". He tagged #IndiaNepalFriendship
The new isolation centre in Kathmandu can hold 90 coronavirus-infected patients with two people in each room.
Nepal is facing a steep rise in the number of Covid-19 cases. On Sunday, the Nepalese Health Ministry reported 145 new deaths and 7,316 fresh cases, pushing the Himalayan country's total death toll over 5,000 since the beginning of the pandemic.
The country has launched an appeal to friendly countries for assistance including oxygen, vaccines and other medical supplies.
