The Government of the Republic of Korea has provided eight units of ambulances and 100 units of oxygen generators to the Government of Bangladesh to support efforts for overcoming the coronavirus pandemic and enhancing the local health sector's capability.

A handover ceremony was held today at DGHS in Mohakhali, Dhaka with the presence of Lee Jang-keun, ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Bangladesh; Prof Abdul Bashar Khurshid Alam, director general of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS); Doh Young-Ah, country director, KOICA Bangladesh Office; and other officials from DGHS, said a press release.

At the ceremony, Ambassador Lee said, "Korea's continuous support, including the donation of eight units of ambulances today, for combating Covid-19 in Bangladesh symbolises the friendship between Korea and Bangladesh. We will stand by Bangladesh friends."

Director General Alam, expressing sincere gratitude for Korea's support, hoped these ambulances will help save lives by providing them necessary service in time. He added that the Bangladesh government will work together with the South Korean government to bring the pandemic to an end.

This contribution has been done through KOICA, South Korea's development agency, under the project of "Strengthening Quarantine Capacity against Covid-19 and other infectious diseases" and delivered to the DGHS, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

The highly advanced ambulances are also equipped with first aid medical box, medical oxygen facilities, personal protective equipment and other emergency related accessories.

The Government of the Republic of Korea has provided various assistance to the Bangladesh Government for addressing the country's pandemic situation, which includes USD 150 million of EDCF loan -- USD 50 million last year and 100 million this year respectively, and the provision of rapid Covid-19 test kits and other medical equipment last year since the outbreak of the pandemic.