India helps Nepal fight Covid-19, gifts 2,000 vials of life-saving drug Remdesivir

New Delhi: Despite Nepal’s recent outbursts against India over boundary issues, the Indian government has kept its promise and has been helping the Himalayan nation in meeting challenges against posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.

India’s Ambassador to Nepal, Vinay M Kwatra handed over 2,000 vials of Remdesivir to Nepal Foreign Affairs Minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali on Tuesday.

“On September 15, Ambassador Vinay M. Kwatra handed over 2,000 vials of Remdesivir to Foreign Affairs Minister of Nepal Pradeep Kumar Gyawali on behalf of the Government of India,” the Indian Embassy said in a release.

“It follows on earlier support extended to Nepal in the form of ICU ventilators on August 9, COVID-19 test kits (RT-PCR) on May 17, and essential medicines including Paracetamol and Hydroxychloroquine on April 22. As a close friend and neighbour, India stands in solidarity with the Government and people of Nepal in their fight to prevail over the pandemic,” the release said.

1/2 Ambassador Vinay M. Kwatra handed over 2000 vials of Remdesivir to Foreign Affairs Minister of Nepal H.E. Mr. Pradeep Kumar Gyawali on behalf of the Government of India. @MEAIndia @PMOIndia pic.twitter.com/fY06qi1YnI

— IndiaInNepal (@IndiaInNepal) September 15, 2020

Remdesivir, life-saving drug

Remdesivir has been proved to be efficient for patients who have been put in the Intensive Care Unit and take them out of danger zone but wasn’t available in the Himalayan nation.

“It would cost around 7,800 Nepali rupees per vial when it comes to the Nepali market. It would save extra expenses of the family,” DG Dhakal said.

Nepal’s Medical Council’s directive (Interim Clinical Guidance for COVID-19) also has enlisted Remdesivir drug for the primary medication. Family of the patients who were in critical condition had to bring it from India under special arrangements but with availability on the local market, it will save on their expenses.