India Delivers Haemodialysis Machines to PNG, Supplies Aid to Lebanon

India has fulfilled a significant commitment made during the third Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC III) Summit by sending its first consignment of 12 Haemo-Dialysis machines to Papua New Guinea (PNG). Also in response to rising tensions and ongoing conflict in southern Lebanon, India has dispatched the first tranche of a 33-ton consignment of medical supplies as part of a humanitarian effort to support Lebanon. 

Haemo-Dialysis machines to PNG Details

FIPIC III Summit Pledge

• The shipment of 12 Haemo-Dialysis machines is part of the commitment India made during the 2023 FIPIC III Summit in Port Moresby, PNG.
• The consignment includes portable Reverse Osmosis (RO) units, essential for purifying water for dialysis procedures.

Healthcare Support for PNG

• This medical assistance is intended to help strengthen PNG’s healthcare system, addressing the country’s growing need for advanced medical equipment.
• The provision of dialysis machines will play a critical role in improving treatment for patients with kidney-related ailments in PNG.

Departure from Pipavav Port

• The first consignment of machines left from Pipavav Port in Gujarat, bound for Port Moresby, PNG’s capital.
• Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson of India’s Ministry of External Affairs, shared this news on social media, affirming India’s solidarity with the Pacific Islands.

India’s Role as a Global Partner

• During the FIPIC III Summit, Prime Minister Modi highlighted the challenges facing the Pacific Island nations, including climate change, poverty, and healthcare issues.
• He reiterated India’s commitment to supporting these nations by providing essential medical supplies and technology, fulfilling the adage, “A friend in need is a friend indeed.”

India’s Continued Engagement

• India has consistently provided aid to its global partners, offering vaccines, essential medicines, food, and other critical resources.
• This consignment of dialysis machines underscores India’s effort to enhance health security for its partner countries, particularly in the Pacific Islands.

Medical Supplies to Lebanon Details

• India sent the first 11 tons of medical supplies, which are part of a larger 33-ton consignment, to Lebanon.
• The supplies include a wide range of pharmaceutical products, such as cardiovascular drugs, NSAIDs, antibiotics, and anesthetics.

Humanitarian Effort Amid Crisis

• India’s medical support comes at a critical time, as Lebanon faces escalating violence in its southern region.
• The conflict, particularly along the Blue Line between Lebanon and Israel, has increased the need for medical aid in Lebanon.

India’s Commitment to Peacekeepers Safety

• Amid concerns over attacks on United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) premises, India reiterated its strong stance on ensuring the safety of peacekeepers.
• India called for the protection of UNIFIL personnel and emphasized that all necessary measures must be taken to safeguard the sanctity of their mandate.