India sends donation to Cuba after Hurricane Melissa

HAVANA, Cuba, November 7(ACN) The world's solidarity with Cuba was once again evident with the arrival in Havana's Jose Marti International Airport of a donation from the Government and people of India to provide humanitarian aid following Hurricane Melissa.

An Indian Air Force flight arrived in the country carrying 20 tons of supplies to assist families affected by the extreme weather event.

The shipment includes a mobile hospital equipped for first aid, rehabilitation supplies, medicines, equipment, generators, shelter materials, and hygiene kits, with the capacity to provide care to approximately 300 people within an estimated 24 to 48 hours.

The aircraft was received by Dr. Reinol Garcia Moreiro, Vice Minister of Public Health (MINSAP); Armando Garrido Beracierto, President of MEDICuba S.A.; T. Armstrong Changsan, Ambassador of the Asian country to Cuba; and other officials from MINSAP and the Asia and Oceania Directorate of the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Foreign Investment.
Garcia Moreiro explained that it is a mobile emergency medical unit designed to provide rapid and comprehensive care in disaster situations.

According to the comprehensive assessment carried out by Cuban authorities from MINSAP, the Red Cross, and the Defense Councils of the eastern region, its deployment in the province of Granma, municipality of Rio Cauto, was decided upon due to the damage reported in that area and the potential health complications that could arise during the recovery phase.

He explained that the mobile hospital allows for the treatment of patients with minor and moderate injuries, burns, all types of infections, and mental health conditions that may require minor surgeries.

This is feasible thanks to the equipment of the mobile facility and the training that the Cuban personnel will receive from an Indian team providing guidance during the initial phase.

According to estimates, the entire unit should be moved to the site on Monday.

After all the necessary procedures and the training of the 15 operators responsible for its operation, it is expected that they will be providing initial medical care within a week, he added.

The mobile hospital, called the BHISHM Cube – India's Health for Safety, Health and Emergency initiative – is part of the Arogya Maitiry Project of the Indian Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

This exemplifies the commitment to strengthening cooperation for the resilience of the health system and enhancing its capacity to respond to emergencies.
A similar shipment was also delivered to Jamaica, a Caribbean nation also affected by Hurricane Melissa.