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Dimapur, June 16 (EMN): The government of Latvia and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) India have joined hands to ensure availability of critical medical equipment in Nagaland.
UNDP India updated on its Twitter handle that it had partnered with the government of Latvia to procure life-saving ventilators to be distributed to hospitals in Nagaland.
In a press release, the embassy of Latvia in India informed that ‘the government of Latvia has contributed USD 60,000 (approx. INR 43,99,455 as on June 16) for the procurement of critical medical equipment, as part of the broader European Union's assistance to India’s response to the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic and that the funds would be used to purchase Indian-made AgVa ventilators’.
“In today's interconnected world, the battle against the invisible enemy should be a global and united effort. It is as simple as that: no one is safe until everyone is safe. India has been an invaluable driving force in the COVAX mission, and it is just fair that we give a helping hand to our Indian friends at this difficult time. I am very pleased to be working with UNDP in India to contribute to building the capacity of the Indian health system,” said the ambassador of Latvia to India, Artis Bērtulis.
The UNDP Resident Representative to India, Shoko Noda, said that additional support and resources are urgently needed to reach out to more people who have been left behind.
“I would like to thank the Government of Latvia for this critical support that will allow UNDP to ensure further strengthening of the health systems through procuring critical medical equipment for the state of Nagaland. The pandemic continues to threaten millions of lives and overwhelm the health system in the country,” Noda was quoted as saying in the press release.
Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio acknowledged and thanked the government of Latvia and the UNDP for their help.
‘I express my gratitude to the government of Latvia and UNDP for the outpouring of support given to Nagaland during these unprecedented and challenging times. The critical life-saving equipment will further strengthen the health system. Thank you Artis Bertulis for your constant support,’ he tweeted.
‘Thank you honourable Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio for your friendship and solid and continuous support building bridges between our nations,’ replied Artis Bērtulis.