With India looking for countries to import oxygen from, China has extended a ‘helping hand’.
China said that it is willing to help India as it fights a massive surge in COVID-19 cases.
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“China is aware that the COVID-19 pandemic in India has been severe recently. We also know that there is a shortage of medical supplies. China is ready to help,” said China’s foreign ministry.
“The novel coronavirus is a common enemy of all mankind, and the global community needs to unite as one to fight against epidemics,” the Chinese foreign ministry further said.
“China is willing to provide India the necessary support and help,” it added.
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With massive shortage of oxygen supply in many hospitals in the Country, especially in New Delhi, the Centre is mulling to import oxygen from abroad.
However, China does not feature in the list of countries that India is looking to source oxygen from.
India is looking into countries in the Gulf and Singapore to import oxygen from.
Notably, India is facing an unprecedented shortage of medical supplies including that of oxygen, with many hospitals in the National Capital sending SOS at regular intervals.
Meanwhile, a day after the Delhi High Court pulled up the centre over shortage of oxygen in the hospitals of Delhi, the Union home ministry on Thursday prohibited supply of oxygen for industrial purposes.
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The ministry has issued a directive to states and Union Territories asking them to make sure there are no restrictions in the supply of medical oxygen.
“Supply of oxygen for industrial purposes, except those exempted by the Government, is prohibited w.e.f. 22 April, 2021 and till further orders. States/UTs shall strictly abide by the supply plan of medical oxygen prepared by EG-II (Empowered Group-II) and as revised from time-to-time,” the MHA said in its order.