The government of India has donated 3 month's supply of essential medicines to assist Maldives to fight against the rapid spread of COVID-19. In a special function, Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid received the supply of essential medicines donated by India from the Ambassador of India to Maldives Sunjay Sudhir.
Foreign Minister Shahid thanked the Indian government for its decision to donate essential medicines to Maldives at a time it has limited export of medicines. He also appreciated the assistance Maldives receives from India at any time of need. He remarked the importance of close collaboration and working together in this time of crisis. Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) will distribute the medicines donated from India.
After World Health Organisation (WHO) declared COVID-19 a pandemic, India has also sent a delegation of medical experts including pulmonologists, aestheticians, physicians and laboratory technicians to Maldives. As part of the collaboration, India will also continue to ease the visa process for Maldivians despite its decision to discontinue on arrival visa services.