India Delivers Dialysis Unit to Support Kiribati's Healthcare
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Synopsis
India dispatched a six-bedded container-based Dialysis Unit to Kiribati on March 22, enhancing the island nation's healthcare system. This shipment is part of India's commitment made during the FIPIC III Summit, strengthening ties with Pacific island nations.
Key Takeaways
- India delivered a six-bedded dialysis unit to Kiribati.
- This initiative supports Kiribati's healthcare system.
- Part of India's commitment during the FIPIC III Summit.
- Strengthens ties with Pacific Island nations.
- India's humanitarian assistance includes medical supplies.
New Delhi, March 22 (NationPress) India has dispatched a six-bedded container-based Dialysis Unit to bolster the healthcare infrastructure of Kiribati, a nation situated in the central Pacific Ocean.
“Standing united with our Pacific Islands family - enhancing the healthcare capabilities of Kiribati. We are honoring India's pledge made during the FIPIC III Summit: a consignment of a six-bedded container-based Dialysis Unit has left Mundra Port for Tarawa, Kiribati,” stated the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on X.
In May 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and James Marape, the Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, co-hosted the third summit of the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) in Port Moresby. This distinctive forum unites India with 14 Pacific Island nations, such as Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Niue, Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu.
Initiated in Fiji in 2014 during Prime Minister Modi’s visit, FIPIC has significantly enhanced India’s involvement with the Pacific Island Countries (PIC) across a range of sectors, aligned with the priorities established by these nations.
During the Summit, PM Modi revealed a 12-step action plan aimed at strengthening partnerships with PIC, which includes the establishment of a 100-bed regional super specialty hospital in Fiji; a regional IT and cybersecurity training hub in Papua New Guinea; Sagar Amrit Scholarships offering 1,000 scholarships over five years across priority areas; organizing Jaipur Foot Camps in Papua New Guinea and other Pacific nations; the FIPIC SME development project; solar projects for government buildings; desalination units for drinking water; provision of sea ambulances; establishment of dialysis units; a 24x7 emergency helpline; Jan Aushadhi Kendras for affordable pharmaceuticals; and yoga centers.
The MEA has previously articulated Prime Minister Modi’s vision for India’s engagement with FIPIC, which has been systematically developed since the inaugural summit in 2014.
“India views FIPIC countries as crucial members of the Global South. These nations face unique challenges related to their geographical circumstances, including issues stemming from climate change, sea level rise, and marine pollution,” remarked former Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra during PM Modi's visit to Papua New Guinea in May 2023.
In 2022, in response to a request from the Kiribati Government for assistance in managing its initial COVID-19 outbreak, India sent a shipment of medical supplies, including PPEs and medications.
The relief items provided by India comprised pulse oximeters, VTM swabs, specimen bags, PPE kits (surgical masks, gloves, N-95 masks, shoe covers, hair caps), and emergency COVID-19 medications.
Despite logistical challenges in reaching this remote Pacific nation, the medical supplies from India were assembled and dispatched promptly. The shipment arrived in Kiribati on a flight coordinated by the Australian Government.
“The delivery of medical supplies to Kiribati underscores India's commitment to offering Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) as an early responder in the Pacific region. India is dedicated to fully supporting Kiribati’s national efforts to address challenges stemming from the pandemic,” stated the MEA.
