UAE-based NMC Healthcare airlifted medical supplies worth Dh1.8 million ($490,000) to Nepal last week as part of ongoing efforts to help victims of the devastating earthquakes which have killed thousands in the Himalayan nation.

The aid was delivered to Grande International Hospital, a leading medical facility in the Nepalese capital Kathmandu, from where its distribution to the government and other aid agencies will be coordinated.

Dr B R Shetty, founder, executive vice chairman and CEO of NMC Healthcare, said: “At this time of strife and suffering it is important for all of us to come together and support those in need. This is a global mission and I encourage everyone to help the victims in any way they can as the healthcare infrastructure in Nepal is overwhelmed trying to cope with the scale of suffering.”

“Beyond the immediate physical injuries caused by the quake, the lack of food and hygiene also presents a serious risk for the onset of epidemics in the coming days and weeks,” he added.

The contents of the aid shipment to Nepal by the UAE’s largest private healthcare provider included antibiotics and painkillers, as well as general antiseptic, first aid kits, surgical equipment and rehabilitation materials such as crutches and braces.

In addition to the medical supplies, other companies run by Dr Shetty in the UAE, including NMC Trading, UAE Exchange and Neopharma, have organised donation drives in support of Nepal. So far, employees have contributed over 200 cartons of clothing and food products to a relief programme being organized by the Emirates Red Crescent, with more donations expected over the coming weeks. – TradeArabia News Service