India gifts 1.5 lakh doses of Covishield vaccine to Bhutan

Tribune News Service
New Delhi, January 20

Bhutan is the first country to receive India’s gift of Covishield vaccines manufactured by the Serum Institute of India, said sources. A consignment containing 1,50,000 doses of the vaccine have reached Thimphu.

India has so far provided essential medicines and medical supplies—including Paracetamol, HCQ, PPEs, N95 masks, x-ray machines and test kits worth over Rs. 2.8 crore—to Bhutan. India has also entered into an ‘Air Travel Arrangement’ or ‘Transport Bubble’ agreement with Bhutan.

The priority to assist Bhutan during the pandemic was made by PM Modi during a telephonic conversation with Bhutan PM Lotay Tshering on April 16. PM Modi had assured Tshering of all possible Indian support to deal with the pandemic and beyond, said sources.

On Bhutan’s request, the Government has also expedited the release of Rs 501 crore for its reprioritised projects to meet the emerging challenges caused by the pandemic.