University sends 100 non-invasive breathing aids as part of shipment from UK government
University College London has sent 100 non-invasive breathing aids to India as part of the UK government’s shipment of emergency medical supplies.
India is currently facing its biggest surge in Covid-19 infections, with over 350,000 new cases reported on 26 April.
In total, the UK government has sent more than 600 pieces of vital medical equipment to the country in its fight against Covid-19.
Funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, the assistance package includes ventilators and oxygen concentrators from surplus stocks.
Among these are 100 UCL-Ventura breathing aids, which are now being flown to Delhi for use in hospitals in India’s hardest hit areas, the university said.
The UCL-Ventura is a continuous positive airway pressure device, which is non-invasive and helps to keep patients off mechanical ventilators. According to UCL, it is quick to produce and easy for staff to learn how to use.
“I’m immensely proud of the UCL-Ventura team and indebted to our logistics partner, G-TEM, who after receiving the call on Saturday morning arranged for the shipment to be sent with the government’s emergency supplies to India’s worst hit areas,” said Rebecca Shipley, a professor at UCL’s Institute of Healthcare Engineering.
“In the last year we have built partnerships in countries across the world and we remain committed to doing everything we can to support the global Covid-19 response.”
Prime minister Boris Johnson said: “We will continue to work closely with the Indian government during this difficult time and I’m determined to make sure that the UK does everything it can to support the international community in the global fight against the pandemic.”