India taking efforts to start quarantine centres for expats in UAE

India taking efforts to start quarantine centres for expats in UAE

mangaloretoday.com

UAE, April 10, 2020: India has started coordinating with the UAE Government to start quarantine centres for Indians who test positive for Covid-19, SAID V. Muraleedharan, Minister of State for External Affairs.

V. Muraleedharan, said the missions in the UAE are making efforts to convert schools and Indian association buildings to quarantine centres, with the permission of the UAE Government. Those who are quarantined in such centres will be provided with food and other basic amenities by the Indian missions, the minister said while answering to questions from Indian expats in a Malayalam channel.

Answering to another question, Muraleedharan said there is no need to send an Indian medical team to the UAE right now. If found necessary, Indian government will discuss with the UAE authorities the possibility of creating a team of Indian doctors and medical professionals in the UAE to help those in need.

The minister added it’s not practical to repatriate the expats at present as there would not be enough quarantine facilities in India for those who return. However, once the lockdown is over, priority will be given to those in emergency situations, including the elderly, pregnant women and those with health risks.

Mission seeks volunteers
 
In coordination with local authorities, the Consulate General of India in Dubai is seeking medical professional volunteers including 4-5 doctors and 12-15 nurses, said Consul General of India to Dubai Vipul.

"The medical professionals will be provided with housing and I urge medical professionals to come forward for this noble cause," said Vipul. Doctors and nurses will be reimbursed with support from the Indian community and funds available with the Consulate, added the Consul General