atropine injection, heparin sodium injection, hydroxyethyl starch, dexamethasone, diazepam, dopamine, and oxygen, among others. Additionally, the country is also seeking essential antibiotics and analgesics.
The Pharmaceutical Export Promotion Council of India (Pharmexcil), a division of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, received a message from Ukraine’s strategic procurement agency for healthcare last month asking for medical assistance from India. The organization, known as State Enterprise Medical Procurement of Ukraine, which is the procurement arm of Ukraine’s health ministry, wrote the letter seeking medical assistance from India.
Pharmexcil responded to the call by urging the Federation of Pharmaceuticals and Allied Product Merchant Exporters (FPME), which is the trade association for pharmaceutical exporters, to assist Ukraine in the current geopolitical situation. According to FPME officials, some of the federation’s members have also decided to assist the war-hit country on the basis of humanity.
Uday Bhaskar, Director General of Pharmexcil, issued a letter to the exporters explaining the tough situation in Ukraine and the need for medical supplies. He wrote, “The Russian Federation initiated a full-scale military invasion in Ukraine on February 24, 2022. The missile strikes along with large battles in Ukrainian cities has led to growing need for the medicines, medical devices, first-aid kits and other relevant goods in Ukraine”.
According to Bhaskar, there are two means of delivery to Ukraine. One way is delivery via the western part of Ukraine’s border. He stated that this route is easy and safe and that deliveries are made via a streamlined method that eliminates the need for customs clearance or any other issues. Bhaskar said, “The warehouses to accept the cargo are located in the Western regions. Also, there is a warehouse available in Helm (Poland). The items can be delivered there alternatively”.
