France & Ireland to send oxygen generators and ventilators,

French president Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday expressed his solidarity with India and said that France will send eight oxygen generators along with ventilators and essential medical equipment in India to help the country fight the second wave of coronavirus disease (Covid-19). He said that each of these generators will enhance the capacities of the hospitals by allowing them to produce oxygen for 10 years from ambient air. The French president in Facebook post said that France is aware of India's situation and said that both countries will remain united in these times of crisis. "No one is untouched by the pandemic which we are going through. We know that India is going through a difficult period. France and India have always been united. We remain united to provide our help." 

Ireland announced on Tuesday it is sending 700 oxygen concentrators from its stockpile to back India’s Covid-19 response, joining the growing list of countries that are rushing aid to help health facilities tackle a severe shortage of oxygen. The concentrators, devices that draw oxygen from the air and deliver it to patients, are expected to reach India early on Wednesday. Ireland has also pledged to send ventilators to India as a gesture of solidarity that is part of the European Union’s (EU) coordinated response to help the country cope with the massive surge in Covid-19 cases. Oxygen cylinders need to be refilled, while oxygen concentrators can provide a continuous flow of oxygen that doesn’t run out and are lighter than cylinders and can be moved easily. A spokeswoman for Ireland’s Health Service Executive said they are ideal for patients who don’t require mechanical ventilation but would benefit from oxygen via a face mask. The aid from Ireland is part of the response under EU’s Civil Protection Mechanism, which was activated on Sunday following a request from India. Germany and France have also announced support packages as part of the EU response.