Lithuania extends support to Nepal to fight Covid pandemic

 A consignment of medical equipment and supplies from Lithuania to support Nepal fight the Covid pandemic was handed over today to the Ministry of Health and Population, according to a press note issued by the European Union office in Kathmandu.

The consignment was dispatched through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, it reads, adding that the support of the 13 EU member states that have extended medical support to Nepal including Lithuania in the recent monthsis around Euro 12 million (Rs 1.7 billion).

Lithuania is one among the 13 EU member states -- Spain, Finland, France, Belgium, Germany, Slovenia, Austria, Malta, Denmark, Ireland, Italy and Hungary -- responding to Nepal’s call for assistance.

Nepal had appealed to the international community for support of medical equipment and supplies to fight a severe outbreak of Corona Virus on May 10.

The medical supplies contributed by Lithuania include 5 breathing machines (mechanical ventilators) and 20 oxygen inhalers from the state reserve, which is administered by the Ministry of Health of Lithuania, the press note further reads, adding that the total value of the humanitarian aid provided to Nepal amounts to almost Euro 50,000 (Rs 7.08 million). "Lithuania stands with the people of Nepal through these testing times," ambassador of Lithuania to Nepal Julius Pranevicius said, adding that solidarity and joint efforts are crucial in the fight against the pandemic.

Representative of the Honorary Consul to Lithuania, joined by charge d'affaires and deputy head of EU Delegation to Nepal Stephane Maicon handed over the equipment to chief specialist at the Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP) Deependra Raman Singh at a programme organised at the ministry today.

"The European Union and its member states have shown that they are indeed a very close friend of Nepal through the donation of life saving medical equipment and supplies during times of dire need," charge d'affaires and deputy head of EU Delegation to Nepal Stephane Maicon said, adding that the EU will continue to step up efforts to assist Nepal and its citizens in the days ahead enabling them to be healthier and safer.

Alongside other development partners, the EU has been monitoring the distribution and the use of the supplies across the country.