UNOPS deliver Oxygen Concentrators to the people of Thailand, donated by the Government of Japan

In close coordination with the Ministry of Public Health of the Royal Thai Government, the UN country team in Thailand, led by UNOPS, managed the delivery of oxygen concentrators at the Suvarnabhumi Airport on 18 and 21 September 2021.

An official handover ceremony was held at Bang Yai Hospital's Public Health Office in central Nonthaburi Province on 27 September 2021.

In attendance were:

• His Excellency Dr. Sathit Pitutecha, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Public Health, Royal Thai Government

• His Excellency Mr. Kazuya Nashida, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Kingdom of Thailand

• Mr. Sanjay Mathur, Regional Director, UNOPS Asia Region

During the event, it was confirmed that having delivered the items safely in 20 days, the 868 oxygen concentrators will be distributed to 79 hospitals and community health centres across all provinces of the country.

Each oxygen concentrator has a 10-litre capacity and can be used in ICU facilities.

The Royal Thai Government highly appreciates this donation to aid its medical response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and strengthen the country’s healthcare system.

His Excellency Mr. Kauzya Nashida, Ambassador of Japan in Thailand, stated: “Japan and Thailand have been helping each other and deepening ties amid various crises. In addition to this project with UNOPS, Japan has been supporting Thailand in overcoming the COVID-19 pandemic, by the donation of 1.65 million doses of AstraZeneca vaccine, the provision of cold chain equipment needed for vaccine transportation and storage... As a “Strategic Partner” and friend to Thailand, Japan will continue to extend support for the efforts of the people and Government of Thailand to build back better from the pandemic.”

Ms. Samina Kadwani, UNOPS Director for Thailand, Indonesia and the Pacific, stated: “The delivery of oxygen concentrators is the latest example of UNOPS and the government of Japan’s commitment to help the people of Thailand tackle the pandemic. Through this donation, vital oxygen needs will be addressed, strengthening the medical response of the country's healthcare system."

H.E. Mr. Sathit Pitutecha, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Public Health, Thailand, stated: On behalf of the Royal Thai Government and the people of Thailand, I would like to express our gratitude to the Government of Japan and UNOPS for supporting Thailand in fighting COVID. These 868 oxygen concentrators that Thailand received today will be allocated to health facilities throughout the country for supporting the treatment of COVID patients. We are also grateful to UNOPS for supporting this donation.

The shipment is part of a program where UNOPS procures and delivers urgently required medical equipment to Thailand and Lao PDR in response to the global pandemic.

The growing partnership between the Government of Japan and UNOPS is a positive step towards strengthening national resilience to the COVID-19 pandemic in Asia and the Pacific.

For media inquiries please contact Maria Cristina Palamini, email: mariapa@unops.org