Northwell Health in New Hyde Park, N.Y., is supplying India with 1 million KN95 masks, 35 ventilators and 1,000 oxygen concentrators as the country faces a severe spike in COVID-19 cases.
The health system said May 6 that essential equipment such as masks and other personal protective equipment are at critical lows in India.
"We've been working with our partners and vendors [in the United States] to get supplies donated, to get shipping and cargo and air freight donated, to get the supplies as quickly as possible," Eric Cioe-Peña, MD, director of Northwell's Center for Global Health, said in a news release.
Northwell Health is sending the 1,000 oxygen concentrators in partnership with the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin. The machines can be used almost anywhere and essentially pull oxygen out of thin air to treat patients.
The initial shipments of masks and other PPE left JFK International Airport in New York City May 4, Northwell said.
Dr. Cioe-Peña said Northwell's logistical support will be key to ensuring the supplies reach the hospitals and patients that need them the most.
"We also need to make sure that when we’re sending these supplies, we're placing them strategically in the country," he said.
Read the full news release here.