The world’s largest cargo plane Antonov 124 left Belfast flying three 18-tonne oxygen generators and 1,000 ventilators as part of the UK’s latest response to India’s Covid-19 crisis.
Staff at Belfast International Airport worked through the night to load 60 tonnes of life-saving kit, funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, aboard the massive Antonov 124 aircraft.
Each of the three oxygen generation units –housed in 40ft freight containers – is able to produce 500 liters of oxygen per minute, enough to treat 50 people at a time on ventilators. Northern Ireland Health Minister, Robin Swann, was at Belfast International Airport to see the generators dispatched, in an operation being funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.
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He said, “The scenes coming out of India are a vivid reminder of the devastation this virus can cause and it shows no sign of abating. It is our moral duty to help and support where we can. Oxygen supply is under severe stress in India’s health system and the three oxygen generation units that we are sending today are each capable of producing 500 litres of oxygen per minute. I sincerely hope this equipment goes some way to easing the pressure and pain the country is currently experiencing.”
Health and Social Care Secretary, Matt Hancock said, “The situation in India is heart-breaking and we stand side by side with our friends as they face this immense challenge. “As we battle this global pandemic together, the vital equipment we are providing, including ventilators and oxygen generators, will help save lives and support India’s healthcare system. “As one United Kingdom, we will continue to do all we can to help the Indian health authorities turn the tide on this dreadful virus.”
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said, “The UK is sending surplus oxygen generators from Northern Ireland to India. This life-saving equipment will support the country’s hospitals as they care for vulnerable Covid patients. “The UK and India are working together to tackle this pandemic. No one is safe until we are all safe.”
India is undergoing a devastating second wave of the coronavirus pandemic, resulting in a shortage of vital medical equipment and supplies. The UK is among several countries that have stepped in with offers of support from their surplus stocks during the crisis.
