By SAT News Desk
MELBOURNE, 5 May 2021: Amid mounting criticism of the ScoMo government’s flight ban from India and proposals of jail and fine for those coming, the first batch of medical supplies from Australia to support the fight against the current deadly COVID-19 surge in India, departed today from Sydney in a chartered Qantas flight. The flight carries medical supplies including 1056 ventilators and 43 oxygen concentrators.
These supplies will be distributed by the Indian Red Cross and local authorities, says a media release from the office of Marise Payne, Minister for Foreign Affairs & Greg Hunt, Minister for Health and Aged Care.
Minister Marise Payne said that as close friends and strategic partners, Australia and India will stand together during this challenging time.
“India has shown great leadership and generosity to the world in exporting vaccines globally. It is time for the world to repay that generosity and Australia as a close friend of the Indian people is playing its part,” Minister Payne said.
“We express our solidarity and deepest support with India as it responds to this ongoing crisis and recognizes how difficult this time is for Indians and Australians in India and their loved ones.”
Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt, said the Government had offered a significant package of support to the Indian Government.
“We are deeply passionate about supporting people in India, which is why we have reached out to support with medical supplies such as oxygen, ventilators, and PPE,” Minister Hunt said.
“At the same time, we are working on plans to resume travel from India to support Australians to get home.”
