Switzerland sends 600 oxygen concentrators and 50 respirators to India

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This morning, a cargo aircraft carrying more than 13 tons of medical supplies from Switzerland arrived in New Delhi. The consignment comprises 600 oxygen concentrators, purchased by Swiss Humanitarian Aid from private sector suppliers, and 50 respirators donated by the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport (DDPS). The supplies include body bags.

The medical supplies provided by Switzerland will be received by the Indian Red Cross and distributed to hospitals by the Indian Ministry of Health, which is responsible for coordinating international medical aid.

The total value of the medical supplies sent by Switzerland is around CHF 3 million (approx. USD 3.3 million). A significant proportion of this amount was covered by the DDPS, which donated the respirators for patients in intensive care. Swiss Humanitarian Aid, which is part of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), mobilised additional funds to purchase the remaining supplies, in particular the oxygen concentrators, and to cover transport costs.

Quote by Swiss Ambassador Dr. Ralf Heckner: “Switzerland stands with India in its hour of need. At this point, our objective is to get all possible assistance to India that we can as quickly as possible. What we are witnessing today is international solidarity at its best. It is impressive to see how many countries and private businesses are stepping up to the plate.”

This Swiss Humanitarian Aid operation required close cooperation between the FDFA's head office and the DDPS in Bern, the Swiss embassy in India and the Indian authorities in order to determine the needs on the ground and procure the necessary medical supplies.

For more information: Ruchita.Jindal@eda.admin.ch