– gives 30,000 hydroxychloroquine tablets to Guyana

UNDER the “Quick Impact Development Project”, the Government of India has allocated US$ 1,000,000 which will be utilised jointly by the Ministry of Health, the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to support Guyana’s response to COVID-19.
Present at Tuesday’s signing of the tripartite agreement were the Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony; India’s High Commissioner, Dr K.J. Srinivasa; PAHO/WHO Country Representative, Dr William Adu Krow and Resident Coordinator of the United Nations Development Programme, Maikiko Tanaka.
At the signing, Dr Frank Anthony thanked the Government of India for its partnership and donation to the healthcare system of Guyana, during this global pandemic.
“The Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) purchased under this fund will assist in preventing our frontline workers from becoming ill,” the minister said.
He disclosed that Guyana will soon receive 29 ventilators as part of the donation.

During his brief remarks, Dr. Srinivasa said that India and Guyana have always partnered for development and progress over the years.
He further explained that the Government of India has been assisting many countries across the world as part of Prime Minister’s Narendra Modi efforts to coordinate the COVID-19 worldwide response.

He also highlighted that, thus far, a total of 100 countries have benefitted from medical equipment, personal protective equipment (PPE), emergency room medicines, and monetary aid.

Meanwhile, both Dr William Adu Krow and Maikiko Tanaka expressed their appreciation to the Government of Indian for its support to Guyana’s COVID-19 response.
Dr Adu Krow indicated that a quantity of medical supplies and PPE have already been procured and are expected to arrive in Guyana shortly.

Further, High Commissioner of India, Srinivasa, noted that the Government of India is providing 30,000 hydroxychloroquine tablets to the Government of Guyana as a gesture of goodwill in support of its fight against COVID-19.

The minister of health while appreciating the goodwill gestures and assistance from the Government of India expressed keen interest to continue the bilateral collaboration with India, in the medical and healthcare sector.

The minister sought India’s collaboration in upgrading three regional hospitals in West Demerara, Suddie and Bartica at a cost of USD$17.5 million; developing a patient record-keeping system, private sector investments in the health sector, and the manufacturing of pharmaceuticals, to name a few.
Guyana’s interest in procuring a COVID-19 vaccine from India, when same is available, was also indicated.

The High Commissioner offered assistance and collaboration of the Government of India in all possible sectors.
High Commissioner, Dr K J Srinivasa also paid courtesy calls on Home Affairs Minister, Robeson Benn; Minister for Culture, Youth Affairs & Sports, Charles Ramson; Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony and Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr Vindhya Persaud.