The McGowan Government is sending an urgent COVID-19 aid package to India, Nepal and Sri Lanka.
The COVID-19 package comprises 18 ventilators and PPE, including approximately 10 million masks, more than 419,000 gloves and more than 3,100 coveralls.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is managing the aid arrangements and will facilitate the distribution of donated items from States and Territories to these countries that have sought assistance from the Commonwealth.
This is in addition to the State Government's $2 million relief funding program to help India through its second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The recently announced Indian COVID-19 Crisis Relief Funding program provides grants between $100,000 and $500,000 to local Indian community organisations who are already working with partners to provide on-the-ground support in India.
Western Australian Indian organisations are already providing support through the provision and installation of oxygen concentrators in hospitals, the sourcing and provision of ventilators and grants to those vulnerable and disadvantaged members of the Indian society.
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
"The situation in India and neighbouring countries is devastating.
"This aid package includes items which are above and beyond what is required in Western Australia should we face an outbreak.
"As these supplies are in surplus to WA's needs we are in a position to help India, Nepal and Sri Lanka which urgently need this medical equipment to combat COVID right now.
"On behalf of Western Australians, I want to send them our thoughts and deepest sympathies.
"To everyone who has been affected by the current situation, we are thinking of you at this time.
"As we have seen with other countries across the world that has been through several waves of this pandemic, we hope India, Nepal and Sri Lanka can clamp down on the virus soon."
Premier's office - 6552 5000
