Nipah virus: VPS Healthcare sends Rs 30-lakh safety gear

KOZHIKODE: Medical fraternity battling the deadly Nipah virus has received a flight-load of protective gears from the UAE. VPS Healthcare, which runs 23 hospitals worldwide, sent the first batch of supplies to the Medical College Hospital.  The consignment contained high-quality N95 masks, three layers masks, body bags and PPE kit with N95 specifications. The health minister, K.K. Shylaja, received the consignment, which arrived here the previous evening, at 11. 30 am from VPS Healthcare India operations manager Hafiz Ali.  

The healthcare conglomerate has promised gears worth Rs 1.75 crore, but they could not send them in a go as cargo flights were not immediately available.  The first consignment arrived in the private jet of the group's head Dr Shamsheer Vayalil was worth Rs 30 lakh. A group spokesperson said they would send the next batch as soon as a cargo carrier is available.

“We commend the Kerala Government and the health authorities for their diligence in helping control the spread of this virus,” a press release quoted Dr Vayalil as saying. “As health professionals, it’s our responsibility to help in any capacity the State needs. We’ll continue to work with the government to help eradicate the threat” he said. Additional chief secretary Rajeev Sadanandan, district collector U.V. Jose, and health services director Dr R.L. Saritha were present.