Liquid medical oxygen cylinders being loaded on Indian naval ship Airawat for transport to India, which faces an oxygen shortage. — Photo courtesy of INCHAM

HCM CITY — The Indian Business Chamber in Việt Nam has sent some 520 liquid medical oxygen cylinders donated by Indians living in HCM City and Vietnamese individuals and organisations to help mitigate an oxygen shortage in India.

The HCM City Medical Association- AloBacsi donated VNĐ200 million (US$8,681) in cash and INCHAM in Hà Nội gave 120 LMO cylinders.

Vạn Tấn Phát Company not only offered these cylinders at a cost basis but also donated 20 cylinders at a time when many other suppliers escalated prices to profit from the crisis.

The Vietnam Buddhist Sangha contributed 108 oxygen concentrators, and 700 monks conducted a special prayer with 1,000 candles to invoke the blessings of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas for India and its people.

Indian naval ship Airawat arrived in HCM City port on May 24 to lift the relief materials which also comprised ventilators.

The effort was also supported by the Vietnam India Friendship Association and the HCM City Union of Friendship Organisations.

The relief materials are expected to reach India in seven to 10 days. — VNS