Thimphu: India has sent a consignment of medical supplies, including Hydroxychloroquine, under the Coronavirus Emergency Fund to Bhutan to assist the country in its fight against coronavirus.

The consignment was handed over by Indian ambassador Ruchira Kamboj to Bhutan Health Minister Dechen Wangmo on Monday.
 
“In keeping with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s assurance that India would stand by its close friend and neighbour, Bhutan in fighting the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, Government of India through Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj handed over today a consignment of medical supplies to Health Minister Dechen Wangmo, including Hydroxychloroquine tablets, that have proved to be useful in the clinical management and recovery of COVID-19 patients,” India embassy in Bhutan said in a statment.

“India’s gesture to continue delivery of essential medicines is a testimony to the unique bonds of trust and understanding between India and Bhutan over decades,” it added.

India would continue to extend all possible support to Bhutan to minimise the health and economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the statement further said.

Bhutan has so far reported 7 coronavirus cases.

During his talks with Bhutan counterpart Lotay Tshering on April 16, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had assured India’s support to Thimphu in fighting coronavirus.

On March 15, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a video conference with SAARC leaders where he initiated a COVID-19 emergency fund for the regional bloc with an initial offer of USD 10 million for the fund to assist the member countries in the fight against coronavirus.

All other SAARC nations have contributed to the COVID-19 Emergency Fund. Thimphu has committed USD 100,000 to the SAARC emergency fund to help combat the coronavirus threat in the region.