Covid : Singapore Provides Medical Supplies And Equipment To Indonesia

By Massita Ahmad SINGAPORE, July 9 (Bernama) -- Singapore stands in solidarity with Indonesia which is facing a surge in COVID-19 numbers by providing tranches of medical supply and equipment. The initial tranch was transported by two Republic of Singapore Air Force C-130 aircraft which left Paya Lebar Air Base for Jakarta, Indonesia this morning. The additional tranche of assistance will be delivered through the republic’s navy. The handing over ceremony was held today with the presence of Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan and Ambassador of Indonesia to Singapore Suryo Pratomo. In his remarks, Balakrishnan reaffirmed that as close neighbours and partners, Singapore and Indonesia will continue to support each other in overcoming the challenges presented by COVID-19. “For the last one and a half years, we have all been coping with the unprecedented challenge that COVID-19 has caused us. And of course in the last few months, with the spread of the Delta variant across the world, this challenge has intensified. “The situation in Indonesia right now is also due to the spread of the Delta variant, and as close neighbours and partners we stand in solidarity with all the people of Indonesia,” he said. The assistance was in response to Indonesia’s request. The supplies include oxygen cylinders, oxygen concentrators, ventilators and personal protective equipment (PPEs) such as surgical and N95 masks, gloves, and gowns. “If you think back over the past one and a half years in the initial phase, I remember early last year, we had also supported Indonesia by sending test kits and other equipment. “In return, I think many people may not be aware, when we had to establish community care facilities very quickly, Indonesia was very helpful to us in supplying essential equipment and furniture which we needed to outfit this,” said Balakrishnan. Over the last few days Indonesia has been seeing record numbers of new COVID-19 cases and deaths. On Friday, the archipelago recorded 38,391 cases and 852 deaths and a day earlier the fatality figure was 1,040. -- BERNAMA