Thinley Namgay 

The Government of Switzerland donated Covid-19 test kits worth Nu 4 million (M) to the health ministry in Thimphu yesterday.

Honorary Consul of Switzerland to Bhutan, Lyonpo Kinzang Dorji handed over 3,500 RT-PCR and 5,000 lab-based antibody test kits to the health secretary, Dr Ugen Dophu.

Lyonpo Kinzang Dorji (left) and Dr Ugen Dophu

The press release from the foreign ministry stated that as per the request of the government, Switzerland had agreed to provide 7,000 RT-PCR and 10,000 lab-based antibody test kits worth Nu 8.10M to combat the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

Dr Ugen Dophu said: “The friendship between our two countries has been a true example of bilateral cooperation.”

The second consignment of medical supplies will be received after three months.

Lyonpo Kinzang Dorji said that this consignment was the expression of the solidarity from the government and people of Switzerland.