MEA creates task force for 24x7 coordination on relief supplies

NEW DELHI: The ministry of external affairs has created a task force for 24X7 coordination on relief assistance arriving from abroad, government sources said. The task force will be headed by additional secretary Dammu Ravi and will comprise several young Indian diplomats who will coordinate with Indian missions abroad and other ministries for quick distribution of life-saving equipment and medicines.
The government had earlier created an inter-ministerial committee for immediate clearance of assistance arriving from abroad. More than 40 countries have so far pledged assistance to India. Sources said foreign secretary Harsh Shringla was holding regular meetings for better coordination on relief supplies.
On Friday, medical supplies arrived from UK, USA, Romania and Ireland. This included 280 oxygen concentrators, and 40 ventilators from UK and 700 concentrators and 365 ventilators from Ireland. Romania too sent 80 oxygen concentrators, 75 oxygen cylinders and 20 oxygen therapy devices. The assistance from US Friday included 440 oxygen cylinders, 210 pulse oximeters, 8.84 lakh Abbott rapid diagnostic test kits and 84000 N 95 masks