New Zealand’s Indian community has rallied together to organise and send urgent medical relief in the form of much required Oxygen Concentrator to India.
In a rare display of quick thinking and swift action, more than 15 diaspora organisations have come together under the leadership of the Indian High Commissioner to NZ Muktesh Pardeshi and the able guidance on the ground of Hon Consul of India in Auckland Bhav Dhillon to generate $150,000 and despatch the first container of 72 Oxygen Concentrator to India.
The relief consignment was despatched from Auckland airport on Tuesday, May 4, and had reached New Delhi on Thursday, May 6, where it would be handed over to India’s Red Cross Society, which would deploy it further as per medical emergency.
India is facing an unprecedented second wave of Covid-19, which has witnessed a dramatic rise in the rate of Covid infection, overhauling the country’s entire health system with record deaths due to acute shortage of Oxygen supply.
Acknowledging the tremendous support of the Kiwi-Indian community Mr Pardeshi said, “As we are struggling with an unprecedented health situation in India, it is very heartening that the Indian community in NZ has come forward to donate 72 oxygen concentrators. This is very much needed there. The consignment which has been sent to Indian Red Cross will be utilised as per priority requirements in the country. I am grateful to all community leaders for this noble gesture. I believe efforts are underway to put together another shipment soon.”
A detailed list of all diaspora organisations who have demonstrated tremendous agility and generosity to act expeditiously and arrange oxygen concentrators would be released later.
It is also important to acknowledge the generous efforts of members of the Kiwi-Indian community who have been trying to send help to India during this unprecedented medical crisis through other channels and avenues.
