Extending support to Bhutan in its fight against COVID-19, the Australian Government supplied medical equipment in response to the Royal Government of Bhutan’s request for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). This was made public through a press release issued by the Australian High Commission.
The medical supplies include protective clothing, sanitizer liquid and masks that reached Bhutan on 22 September. The supplies will support Bhutan’s implementation of its COVID-19 Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan.
According to the press statement received by Bhutan Media Society via email, Australian ambassador Hon Barry O’Farrell AO, said “Australia stands alongside Bhutan in the fight against COVID-19. We are working with the Royal Government to support health workers and the community, to access the necessary equipment to minimize the spread of infection.”
Bhutan’s Ambassador in India, Maj. General V. Namgyel, conveyed the deep appreciation of the Royal Government of Bhutan for the generous provision of the PPE.
He said “His Majesty The King and the Royal Government are working to ensure the health and security of all individuals in the country and are resolved to not lose a single life to the pandemic. The solidarity and assistance extended by Australia to Bhutan in the fight against the COVID-19 virus will always be remembered by the Bhutanese people.”
“Australia and Bhutan enjoy a warm relationship, built on strong people-to-people links and cooperation on international education. Australia’s broader bilateral support to Bhutan focuses on developing human resource capacity, building people-to-people linkages and strengthening tertiary institutions”, the press statement reads.
According to the health ministry’s website, Bhutan’s confirmed cases stands at 282, with a new RBA man testing positive in Phuentsholing. As of October 1, 222 have recovered from the infection.
