As soon as the coronavirus hit the world, India emphasised the imperative of collaboration to overcome the inimical health and economic impact of the virus. It was with this objective that the Indian government organised a virtual meeting of SAARC leaders on March 15, 2020. In the initial months of the pandemic, India, by virtue of the fact that it is the ‘pharmacy of the world’, ramped up production of essential medicines like hydroxychloroquine, paracetamol etc. as well as Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) kits, ventilators and masks. In the rapidly evolving global geo-political landscape, the healing and supportive actions by India through supply of Covishield and Covaxin vaccines will have a huge impact in promoting peace, security, cooperation and prosperity in the region and the world. This is all the more commendable when there are only few countries in the world who have thus far been able to successfully manufacture COVID-19 vaccines.
Which of the following countries were the first to receive supplies of vaccines from India?
Correct Answer :
Bhutan and Maldives
Solution :
The correct answer is Bhutan and Maldives.
Under India's 'Vaccine Maitri' (Vaccine Friendship) initiative, launched to provide COVID-19 vaccines to partner countries and global neighbors, India began exporting domestic vaccines (Covishield manufactured by Serum Institute of India) on January 20, 2021.
The very first consignment of free grant assistance shipments of COVID-19 vaccines dispatched by India reached Bhutan and the Maldives on January 20, 2021. Bhutan received 150,000 doses while Maldives received 100,000 doses in the initial batch.
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