Indian President Narendra Modi confirmed that Maldives will receive one of the first shipment of COVID-19 vaccines extended by the Indian government, on Wednesday.
In addition to Maldives, India is also providing vaccine shipments to Bhutan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar and Seychelles.
India is deeply honoured to be a long-trusted partner in meeting the healthcare needs of the global community. Supplies of Covid vaccines to several countries will commence tomorrow, and more will follow in the days ahead. #VaccineMaitri https://t.co/9Czfkuk8h7
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 19, 2021
According to Indian media outlets, the Maldivian government has given all regulatory approvals and permissions to receive the Oxford Astrazeneca's COVISHIELD vaccine produced by Serum Institute of India.
Reports state that the Indian consignment will arrive at 1400 hrs local time by Air India flight at Velana International Airport (VIA), and will contain enough shots to cover frontline health workers and senior citizens.
The COVISHIELD vaccine, which authorities had formerly revealed the state was attempting to acquire, shows an efficiency between 90 to 62 percent and can be stored in temperatures compatible with most vaccines.
The Indian High Commissioner to Maldives Sunjay Sudhir, on Sunday, assured that India will provide vaccines to Maldives shortly, but no details were revealed at the time.
With this vaccine shipment, Maldives will become the recipient of the largest COVID-19 assistance among the countries in India’s neighbourhood. The assistance so far has included medicines, food items, training and financial assistance of about USD 250 million.
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