Conversation between Deputy Prime Minister and Ambassador Berry: US to supply healthcare items to Nepal from next week

KATHMANDU: Deputy Prime Minister Ishwor Pokharel has intensified diplomatic initiatives to supply coronavirus vaccines and health supplies. 

In this regard, a telephone conversation took place between Deputy Prime Minister Pokharel and US Ambassador Randy Berry today.

During the dialogue, Deputy Prime Minister Pokharel urged US Ambassador Berry to create an environment conducive to providing vaccines to Nepal as soon as possible, according to his Secretariat.

Pokharel said that the government of Nepal has sought the help of the US government as vaccination is the best way to prevent the spread of the virus.

Deputy Prime Minister Pokharel had informed that there is keen and eager anticipation for the US vaccine in Nepal. 

Similarly, Nepal expects assistance from the Ambassador on essential ventilators, PPEs, oxygen cylinders, oxygen concentrators, mobile oxygen plants, medicines, vaccines and vaccine-related materials, the infrastructure required for setting up temporary hospitals and necessary expert manpower, Pokharel told the Ambassador.

US Ambassador Berry said the US government would continue to provide medical supplies to Nepal starting next week. However, the Ambassador said that a decision on what kind of assistance would be provided would be made by next Sunday.

“I am also taking the initiative on vaccination. I will inform you as soon as it is finalized,” Ambassador Berry told the Deputy Prime Minister.

Earlier, Pokharel had requested the UN Resident Coordinator in Nepal, Sarah Beysolow Nyanti, to facilitate the introduction of the World Health Organization (WHO) vaccine under the CoVAX facility to Nepal as soon as possible.