Sixty nurses from India touched down in the UAE on Saturday night to join the country's fight against Covid-19. The medics - all trained in critical care - have been drafted in by Aster DM Healthcare from its hospitals in India as the first batch of 88 professionals due to be integrated into UAE facilities. The influx of talent comes after support from the Indian Consulate, Dubai Health Authority and the UAE's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation. The welcome arrivals will bolster staff numbers at Covid-19 care facilities in Dubai. While India remains in lockdown, the healthcare workers were granted permission to fly to the UAE. “The initiative reflects the trusted relationship that exists between India and the UAE and the deep commitment shared by the two nations to support one another," said Dr Azad Moopen, founder managing director of Aster DM Healthcare. "It is all the more pertinent during such unprecedented crisis. Aster felt duty bound to assist UAE by bringing our medical professionals from India for best possible healthcare delivery to citizens, residents and visitors alike during the Covid-19 situation, and to be part of increasing the surge capacity. " Humaid Al Qutami, director-general of the Dubai Health Authority said the move was part of efforts to ensure patients receive the "highest standards of care". “We have a long-standing relationship with India and our private sector partners in healthcare. This initiative is testimony to the relationship shared by the two nations and it highlights the close collaboration between the government and the private health sector," he said. "We have built sufficient capacity to tackle the situation in case the need arises and we are closely working with healthcare authorities in the UAE to ensure we provide the highest standard of care to Covid-19 patients in the country. We are deeply grateful to all frontline workers including all medical professionals who are working tirelessly to serve the community.” Pavan Kapoor, India's Ambassador to the UAE, and Shri Vipul, Consul General of India said the partnership highlighted the strong ties that exist between the UAE and India. “India and the UAE are showing how a strategic partnership translates into concrete co-operation on the ground in dealing with this pandemic. Helping a friend in need is the motto of co-operation between our two countries, and will further strengthen our long-standing friendship,” said Mr Kapoor. _______________
