By TIOL News Service

NEW DELHI, MAY 08, 2021: HEALTH Minister Mr Harsh Vardhan on Friday had a virtual meeting with his American counterpart Mr Xavier Becerra, and discussing the global challenges and the ongoing surge in COVID-19 cases in India.

Mr Vardhan congratulated Mr Becerra on assuming charge as the Secretary of Health and Human Services, and thanked his gesture to initiate communication to establish formal contact to work closely on bilateral cooperation and address global challenges faced due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Both nations have developed a strong collaboration in the area of public health which extends to building and enhancing the cooperation and support in the unprecedented times of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Mr Vardhan.

Appreciating the US donations of urgently needed medical supplies, Mr Vardhan said, “It is highly appreciable to learn that the statements of solidarity between us are quickly manifesting as practical forms of support to enhance healthcare support and fight the pandemic.”

The US has so far sent six planes within six days, carrying emergency supplies such as 20,000 courses of Remdesivir (1.25 lakh vials), nearly 550 mobile oxygen concentrators, 1,500 refillable oxygen cylinders, 10 lakh rapid diagnostic tests, 25 lakh N95 masks and 210 pulse oximeters.

Detailing India’s approach to the second wave of infections, Mr Vardhan noted that the testing infrastructure now consists of 2,500 facilities, a 151 per cent increase in isolation beds and 35 per cent in ICU beds. India has also ramped up oxygen production and rolled out the nationwide vaccination drive.

Mr Becerra reaffirmed the strong US support to India and expressed his deep gratitude for the aid extended to Washington, DC in the early days of the pandemic. He also assured of President Mr Joe Biden’s unwavering commitment to engage, collaborate and fight the pandemic together.

The ministers also discussed the need to work closely together in the international arena, including strengthening the World Health Organisation (WHO) and support for India’s proposal for a waiver of intellectual property rights for COVID-19 vaccines at the World Trade Organisation (WTO).