Covid-19 vaccine Phase 3 trials to be conducted via collaboration between India and Bhutan

Last updated on February 17th, 2023 at 12:47 pm

 New Delhi is collaborating with Bhutan to carry out Phase-3 trials of Covid-19 vaccine candidate, while India has sent seven medical aid consignments to the ally nation since March 2020 to support Bhutan in its fight against Coronavirus pandemic. The consignments constitute essential Covid-19 medications including Paracetamol, Hydroxychloroquine and Cetrizine. Apart from medications India also supplied medical equipment to Bhutan like PPE kits, RT-PCR testing kits, N95 masks, and X-ray machines.​

On Thursday, Ruchira Kamboj, Indian envoy to Bhutan, handed over the portable X-ray machines to Bhutan’s Foreign Minister Tandi Dorji. These machines would be used to carry out essential medical services in Phuentsholing, the southern border town of Bhutan.​​​​​​​​​​​

The Indian mission in Bhutan said, “India’s gesture to continue delivery of essential medical supplies is a reflection of the special bonds of trust and understanding between India and Bhutan that have existed over decades.”

Bhutan’s Finance Minister thanked India in a tweet. Air transport bubble has been started between the countries for the residents. Bhutan’s flag carrier Druk Air operated the first flight on October 1 between Paro to Bagdogra in West Bengal.

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Bhutan’s envoy to India Maj. Gen. Vetsop Namgyel said, “The India Bhutan air transport bubble arrangement enables citizens of our two close neighbours working and residing in each other’s country to travel to and fro by air. It is a good interim measure before regular commercial flights can resume.”