ISLAMABAD: The US government on Wednesday donated $7.5 million worth of medical oxygen supplies to the health ministry to continue its fight against Covid-19 and train 163 hospitals staff throughout Pakistan to increase their capability to treat patients suffering from lung diseases.

The amount was handed over to the Federal Minister of Health Abdul Qadir Patel through the US Agency for International Development (USAID).

In his remarks, Mr Patel said: “We are thankful to the US government for their continued support during Covid-19 and especially during the recent floods.”

He said these efforts reflected the strong bilateral relations between the two countries.

Addressing the ministry of health officials at the ceremony, Ambassador Donald Blome remarked: “Today’s donation is not just about Covid-19. It is an investment into Pakistan’s long-term health system. This assistance – that started at the very outset of Covid, continued throughout the pandemic, and is now addressing the lasting effects of the floods on health – is a prime example of the long history of US assistance to Pakistan.

The US was there at the beginning, and would continue to find ways to support Pakistan as it recovers and rebuilds from disasters – whether that is a global pandemic like Covid-19 or a flooding disaster like Pakistan has just experienced.”

The US government’s donation included thousands of essential supplies and equipment for oxygen therapy that the Ministry of Health had requested.

Published in Dawn, December 8th, 2022