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India: MSF To Support Bihar’s COVID-19 Response By Providing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
As the number of people with COVID-19 continues to rise across India, Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) is supporting the Bihar State Government by providing crucially needed personal protective equipment for frontline healthcare workers. This includes N-95 masks, eye/face protection, gloves and high quality body protection. In addition, viral transport mediums used in the testing of COVID-19 patients are being provided. The total value of the donation is valued at over Rs. 1.1 crore. The equipment will be used by medical staff in Nalanda Medical College and Hospital and other facilities in Bihar to ensure their safety. These will be delivered to the Office of the Resident Commissioner for Bihar in New Delhi on Monday 6th April 2020.
“It is critical to reinforce and protect healthcare personnel who are the first line of response against the virus.” Dr Prince Mathew Country Director, Doctors Without Borders, India
“The coronavirus pandemic threatens the lives of people around the world and it could present even greater risks in countries with dense populations and where health systems can be overwhelmed very quickly,” said Dr Prince Mathew, Country Director, Doctors Without Borders, India.
“It is critical to reinforce and protect healthcare personnel who are the first line of response against the disease. Responding to epidemics and assisting vulnerable populations in crises is something MSF has done over many decades globally. In the next few weeks we will also potentially support the Bihar state health authorities in the direct management of patients through facility decongestion preparedness.”
Across the world MSF, has witnessed that shortages of personal protective equipment are commonplace, leaving healthcare workers on the frontline exposed. This can severely hamper the ability and capacity of any healthcare system to save lives.-MB Bureau
