High Commission of India
Lilongwe (Malawi)
*****
Press Release
India donates Medicines, Medical stores and Tents to Government of Malawi
Government of India donated Medicines and Tents on 29 September, 2016 at the office of the Department of Disaster Management Affairs in Capital Hill. A symbolic donation ceremony was presided by Hon’ble Mr. Ben Botolo, Secretary to Vice President and Commissioner for Disaster Management Affairs. Mr. Suresh Kumar Menon, High Commissioner of India to Malawi formally handed over the medicines and tents to Secretary Botolo in the presence of senior officials of the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
2. The donations from the People and Government of India was in response to an appeal from the Government of Malawi to assist the Disaster Management Affairs to handle situations when Malawians need assistance in times of natural disasters or calamities.
3. The medicines and medical supplies are sufficient to operate a Primary Health Center which can treat up to 10,000 patients for up to 2 months. The assistance also included lifesaving medicines airfreighted from India. The donation also included 233 Tents which can accommodate up to 10 adults each, and can be a temporary shelter for up to 23, 000 people in cases of natural calamities.
4. The total value of above donation from the Government and People of India, is equivalent to approximately MK 75 Million. Speaking on the occasion, Hon’ble Botola thanked the Government of India for this kind gesture. He assured that this assistance will be utilized by the Disaster Management Services and the Ministry of Health for the benefit and welfare of the Malawian citizens.
5. Mr. Suresh K. Menon, High Commissioner speaking at the handing over event, mentioned that this assistance is in continuation to the gift of Medicines and related products amounting to US$1 million donated last year in July 2015 to the Government of Malawi. He mentioned that India produces world class medicines at a fraction of the international cost. Accordingly, while the value of the consignment handed over is equivalent to Kw 75 million, if valued in international terms, these will be at least four to five times at approximately Kw 300-350 million. High Commissioner, mentioned that the India is keen to enhance the bilateral relations with Government of Malawi and this donation is another milestone in the warm and friendly relations between the two Governments.
**********
30 September, 2016
