India’s High Commissioner Rakesh Arora on behalf of his Government handed over a large consignment of medicines from India for the people of Sierra Leone to fight COVID19. The medicines were handed over to Sierra Leone’s Deputy Minister of Health & Sanitation Dr. Amara Jambai, at a ceremony held at the Ministry. Others present on the occasion included Permanent Secretary of Health Mr Morie Momoh, Director of Middle East & Asia Division Mr. Kai Brima from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Director, National Medical Supply Agency (NMSA).
The medicines included Azithromycin 250 mg Tab (200,000); Azithromycin 500 mg Tab (200,000); Hydroxycholoroquine 200 mg Tab (200,000); Cefotaxime Sodium 1000 mg Injection (100800); Metronidazole 5 mg/ml 100 ML IV (10000); Chloroquine 250 mg Tab (200,000); Levocetrizine 5 mg Tab (100,000); Ibuprofen 400 mg Tab (100,000); Paracetamol 500 mg Tab (200,000); Montelukast 10 mg Tab (50,000); Cebtriaxone 500 mg Injection (10000); Ceftriaone 1 gm Injection (10000).
Dr. Jambai profusely thanked the Government of India for providing large quantities of medicines to Sierra Leone to fight Covid19 and conveyed that this consignment has come at a critical time when Sierra Leone is trying to cope up with surge in COVID19 cases in recent weeks. He stated that although there is an increase in covid cases in Sierra Leone, the intensity of the infection is still mild and if there is any need, they would certainly look upon India for supply of vaccines manufactured in India.
He appreciated India for being a destination for global medical tourism and that India is a preferred destination for medical treatment by Sierra Leoneans. He expressed deep desire to continue partnership in medical field with India and sought assistance in providing expertise and training to enable them to be self-sufficient.
Other speakers, Director, MFA, and Director, National Medical Supply Agency, also expressed deep appreciation to the Government of India for timely supply of medicines to fight COVID19 at this crucial juncture.
High Commissioner Rakesh Arora briefly mentioned about donation of medicines by India to several African countries affected by COVID19 in keeping with India’s traditionally strong bond of friendship and solidarity with Africa, developments in India about COVID19 vaccines, as well as India’s capacity building ITEC programmes.