The Irish Government is donating a further €120,000 to the HOPE Foundation, which runs a hospital in Kolkata, as the Covid-19 crisis worsens in India.
Almost 4,200 deaths were recorded in just one day on Saturday, which is the highest number of deaths in a 24-hour period to date, and Indian doctors are reporting a rare infection, known as mucormycosis, is making coronavirus patients blind.
Ireland has already donated emergency equipment, including oxygen machines, to India.
The Indian Authorities are now identifying their additional needs and will liaise with the European Union’s Civil Protection Mechanism as needed.
This mechanism then coordinates and transports the goods as efficiently as possible.
Ireland utilised this mechanism to send two aid flights in the last week.
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Defence Simon Coveney said the Cork-based charity is doing vital work in Kolkata.
He said: “I am delighted to be able to confirm €120,000 in funding for the HOPE Foundation’s vital work in fighting Covid-19 in Kolkata.
"HOPE have seen a generous public response to their appeal for equipment and medicines.
"This support from Irish Aid will enable them to cover the vital running costs of the hospital - from the frontline doctors and nurses treating the sick, to nutritious foods which will help patients recover.
“The work of the HOPE Foundation epitomises Irish compassion. I am proud that a Cork-based organisation is able to help the most marginalised communities through this darkest hour. And that the Department of Foreign Affairs is able to support this effort”.
The HOPE Hospital was established in Kolkata in 2008 to provide basic health services to the poorest of the city’s residents, mostly street children and slum dwellers.
As Kolkata is currently a COVID-19 hotspot, the hospital is now operating exclusively as a Covid-19 hospital. The hospital has already treated 76 patients and all 40 of the hospital’s beds are currently full.
