Suva (Fiji)
Handing over consignment of Medical Supplies to Fiji
A Consignment of Medical Supplies containing Anti-Retroviral drugs for HIV patients in Fiji was formally handed-over by Government of India to Government of Fiji at a simple ceremony organized (01 December 2021) at the headquarters of Ministry of Health (Fiji) in Suva.
2. On behalf of the Government of India, Acting High Commissioner Mr. Saifullah Khan handed over the consignment to Minister for Health and Medical Services of Government of Fiji, Hon. IfereimiWaqainabete. Among the dignitaries present at the event included Speaker of the Parliament and the UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador, Hon'ble RatuEpeliNailatikau, Permanent Secretary for Health and Medical Services, Dr. James Fong, Clinical Medical Advisor, Dr.JemesaTudravu, UNAIDS Country Director, Ms. Renata Ram and other senior Government health officials.
3. Acting High Commissioner, in his remarks, mentioned that during the Covid-19 pandemic, thanks to its world leading capabilities in development & manufacturing of vaccines, drugs, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment and personal protection equipment (PPEs), India emerged as the trusted supplier of medical supplies to the world. Driven by the country's strong belief in the concept of "VasudhaivKutumbakam" i.e "the whole world is one family, India sent crucial medical supplies to more than 150 countries, including many in the Pacific region. Under the path breaking 'Vaccine Maitri" initiative to ensure equitable access to Covid vaccines for all, India also provided 70 million Covid-19 vaccine doses to more than 95 countries, including 100,000 doses to Fiji in March 2021.
4. In his remarks Minister for Health and Medical Services of Government of Fiji thanked Government of India for the Medical Supplies required for treatment of HIV patients specialy children in Fiji and appreciated the support of Government of India as a major development partner for socioeconomic development of Fiji.
5. India supplies nearly two-thirds of the world's antiretroviral drugs and plays a significant role in the global fight against AIDS by helping scale up access to treatment across developing countries.
6. This consignment of retroviral drug requested by the Government of Fiji has been delivered as a grant assistance to augment the medical supplies critically required by Ministry of Health and Medical Services in Fiji which has been severely impacted due to the Covid crises.