Kathmandu: The Italian government, under the European Union’s Civil Protection Mechanism, had provided medical supplies to Nepal in a bid to better manage the ongoing Covid-19 crisis.

Honorary Consul to Italy, Pratima Pande joined by the EU Ambassador to Nepal, Nona Deprez handed over the equipment to Dr. Roshan Pokhrel, Chief Specialist from the Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP) at the Tribhuvan International Airport.

In a true Team Europe spirit, the Ambassadors of Germany and France also participated in the ceremony. “As long-standing friends and partners, the EU and its Member States support Nepal during these difficult times. These medical supplies will help against the spread of COVID and alongside public health measures will help save precious lives across Nepal,” EU Ambassador to Nepal Nona Deprez said.

The supplies include 20 ventilators, 6,000 isolation gowns, and 10,000 protective overalls.”The government of Nepal remains thankful to the government and people of Italy for their generous support of life-saving materials received at this hour of difficulty.” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement issued post the hand-over.Italy is among the 12 EU Member States –Spain, Finland, France, Belgium, Germany, Slovenia, Austria, Malta, Denmark and Ireland responding to Nepal’s call for assistance.