Switzerland on Wednesday confirmed it will send medical supplies, including oxygen concentrators and ventilators, to India, with the latter grappling to contain a massive second wave of COVID-19 that has crippled its healthcare infrastruture. 

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In a statement, the Swiss Embassy said it will send medical supplies to India through the Swiss Humanitarian aid, including 600 oxygen concentrators.

“This will include oxygen concentrators, ventilators and other medical equipment. This material will be distributed with the support of the Indian Red Cross Society. Switzerland stands in solidarity with India in these challenging times,” the statement read. 

India has become the latest global hotspot in the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, witnessing an alarming surge in cases. The country on Wednesday reported over 360,000 cases and has been recording over 300,000 cases for the past week. 

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With over 3,200 deaths reported in the last 24 hours, India’s death toll has also crossed the 200,000-mark although experts believe the actual tally is much higher than the official figures. 

The surge has caused a massive shortage in vital medical supplies across the country, particularly medical oxygen. India is currently seeking to import its supplies from other countries. 

Earlier today, Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, pledging to send emergency humanitarian aid to India, including, “20 units of equipment for the production of oxygen, 75 artificial lung ventilation devices, 150 medical monitors and 200 thousand packages of medicines”.