WATCH: World's largest cargo plane sets off for India packed with life-saving Covid-19 supplies

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Ventilators and oxygen generators are loaded onto the plane

By Q Radio News

The world’s largest cargo plane has left Belfast international Airport with oxygen generators and a thousand ventilators as part of the UK’s latest response to India’s COVID-19 crisis. 

The three generators, built in Northern Ireland, are capable of producing 500 litres of oxygen a minute -  and can each treat 50 people at a time.

Staff at Belfast International Airport worked through the night to load 60 tonnes of life-saving equipment onto the Antonov 124 aircraft.

 

Health Minister, Robin Swann, who was at the airport, said the aircraft is expected to arrive in Delhi this evening

He added: “The scenes coming out of India are a vivid reminder of the devastation this virus can cause and it shows no sign of abating. 

“It is our moral duty to help and support where we can.  Oxygen supply is under severe stress in India’s health system and the three oxygen generation units that we are sending today are each capable of producing 500 litres of oxygen per minute. 

“I sincerely hope this equipment goes some way to easing the pressure and pain the country is currently experiencing.”

(Deputy Chief Medical officer Dr Naresh Chadra and Health Minister Robin Swann watched as life-saving kit was loaded onto the plane)

Meanwhile Health Secretary, Matt Hancock, said:  “The situation in India is heart-breaking and we stand side by side with our friends as they face this immense challenge.

“As we battle this global pandemic together, the vital equipment we are providing, including ventilators and oxygen generators, will help save lives and support India’s healthcare system.

“As one United Kingdom we will continue to do all we can to help the Indian health authorities turn the tide on this dreadful virus.”

(Health Minister Robin Swann watches staff work through the night to get plane ready to deliver supplies to Delhi).

And Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, added: “The UK is sending surplus oxygen generators from Northern Ireland to India. This life-saving equipment will support the country's hospitals as they care for vulnerable COVID patients.

“The UK and India are working together to tackle this pandemic. No-one is safe until we are all safe.”

(The Delhi-bound cargo plane, packed with Covid supplies, takes off from Belfast International Airport)

 

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