PM Modi 'appreciates' Maldives' contribution to Coronavirus Emergency Fund

Government of Maldives has decided to contribute USD 200,000 to COVID-19 Emergency Fund while responding to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call to SAARC nations to create an emergency fund which will help nations to unite against virus and collectively fight against pandemic. 

Taking to Twitter, PM Modi has appreciated contribution of Maldives and joining in fight against dreaded virus that has taken world host.

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India pledges USD 10 million

On March 15, while addressing a SAARC conference to battle dreaded pandemic, PM Modi took initiative to battle pandemic Coronavirus (COVID-19) and anunced setting up a common 'COVID-19 emergency fund' and pledged USD 10 million as India's contribution to it. 

Clarifying that any one of seven nations could withdraw funds to use battle pandemic, he said that India is also assembling a Rapid action team of doctors at disposal of neighbours. Moreover, he said that India can share its Disease Surveillance software with SAARC countries.

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While Maldives pledged USD 200,000, Bhutan contributed USD 100,000 to fund.  Ministry of External Affairs on Friday stated that SAARC Emergency Fund has been operationalised.

video conference that was chaired by PM Modi was attended by Bhutanese Prime Minister Lotay Tshering, Bangladesh premier Sheikh Hasina, Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, Nepalese Prime Minister Oli, Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani and Special Assistant to Pakistani Prime Minister on Health Zafar Mirza, participated in conference.

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Janata Curfew on March 22

In a bid to contain spread of deadly virus in India, PM Modi has called for a Janata Curfew on March 22. While addressing nation on March 19  prime minister appealed to all citizens to go under self-quarantine and t to step out of ir homes on Sunday from 7 am to 9 pm on Sunday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi talked extensively about challenges caused due to COVID-19 pandemic. He stressed that “resolve” and “restraint” were two most important things to be followed. PM Modi also appealed to every to pay tribute to all essential officials like doctors, government officials, journalists, etc who were working. A day after his address to nation, PM Modi also chaired a video conferencing with chief ministers of various states to fight pandemic. 

total number of Coronavirus cases in India has risen to 298 in country with four deaths, while 22 cases have fully recovered and discharged.

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