Government confirms funding to HOPE Foundation hospital in Kolkata to cope with COVID-19

As India battles with the record surge in COVID-19, the Department of Foreign Affairs has confirmed funding for the Cork-based HOPE Foundation, to support running costs of their hospital in Kolkata.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Defence, Simon Coveney TD, today said:

"I am delighted to be able to confirm €120,000 in funding for the HOPE Foundation’s vital work in fighting COVID-19 in Kolkata. HOPE have seen a generous public response to their appeal for equipment and medicines. This support from Irish Aid will enable them to cover the vital running costs of the hospital - from the frontline doctors and nurses treating the sick, to nutritious foods which will help patients recover.

"The work of the HOPE Foundation epitomises Irish compassion. I am proud that a Cork-based organisation is able to help the most marginalised communities through this darkest hour. And that the Department of Foreign Affairs is able to support this effort."

The HOPE Hospital was established in Kolkata in 2008 to provide basic health services to the poorest of the city’s residents, mostly street children and slum dwellers. As Kolkata is currently a COVID-19 hotspot, the hospital is now operating exclusively as a COVID-19 hospital. By 26 April, the hospital had already treated 76 patients, and all 40 of the hospital’s beds are currently full.

Notes

The government has already provided donations of emergency equipment, with the second flight landing in Delhi airport on Tuesday 4 May.

At present,the Indian Authorities are identifying their additional needs, and communicating this to the European Union’s Civil Protection Mechanism. This then coordinates and transports the goods as efficiently as possible. Ireland utilised this mechanism to send two aid flights in the last week.

Ireland’s overall support to Global Health in 2021 is at least €50 million in total, which includes €5 million to support the COVID-19 vaccination effort.