Bahamas receives first shipment of 20,000 jabs from India

Bahamas: The consignment of 20,000 jabs of ‘Made in India’ Oxford AstraZeneca vaccines arrived at the Lynden Pindling International Airport of Bahamas on Wednesday at United Airlines. 

The vaccines were received by Prime Minister Hubert Minnis; Health Minister Renward Wells; Foreign Affairs Minister-Darren Henfield; National Immunization Manager Nurse Ruth Bastian; Chief Medical Officer Dr. Pearl McMillian; Bahamas High Commissioner to India Lowell Mortimer; and President of the Bahamas India Association-Dr. Anupama Jacob.

The 20,000 jabs of vaccine are a gift from the Government of India. The vaccines were approved by the WHO and received Emergency Use Listing (EUL) certification by the WHO. The vaccines have also received approval from the Caribbean Regulatory System (CRS).

“I would like to acknowledge Prime Minister Modi (@narendramodi) and the public of India for this generous assistance,” said the Bahamas Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis.

Recently, India had contributed 175,000 doses of Oxford Astra-Zeneca vaccines as a compliment to OECS organization, comprising four Caribbean nations. 

Whereas, the global leaders praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi as India’s assistance to help the countries under its ‘Vaccine Maitri’ initiative amid the coronavirus pandemic.

India’s vaccine diplomacy, which began on January 19 this year, is complete swing. India commenced exporting the Covid-19 related vaccines to neighbouring nations.

Beginning from Nepal, Bhutan, and the Maldives, the vaccines from India have now reached more than 65 countries. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, 5.8 crore doses have been supplied so far.

The Covishield vaccine was manufactured in a tie-up between Oxford University and pharmaceutical company Oxford AstraZeneca. The Pune-based Serum Institute of India manufactures it.

Prominently, India’s Vaccine Maitri’ drive is reaping diplomatic gains for the country with the 79-member African, Caribbean, Pacific (ACP) group and the 15-member Caribbean Community (CARICOM) honoring India at the WTO for facilitating vaccine supplies to those in need.

The Bahamas has reported a total of 8,642 cases of lethal coronavirus, 7,483 people recovered & 185 people died due to this lethal virus. 

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