India coronavirus fight hampered by China medical exports delays
- Speedy shipments of protective equipment and other supplies would be an ‘immediate boost’ to relations between the two countries, Indian ambassador says
- New quality regulations to address European concerns about substandard items have led to uncertain supplies for other countries
India is calling on China to speed up the shipping of medical supplies held up due to new quality standards imposed after Beijing was accused of exporting flawed products to Europe.
Misri said a number of Indian entities, including local governments, had ordered test kits and medical equipment such as masks, ventilators and personal protective equipment (PPE) from China but were having problems receiving the orders.
The new measure was introduced after a number of complaints from buyers in Europe about the quality and accuracy of test kits and other products.
“It would be a welcome step for Chinese authorities, such as the national medical products authority, to expedite the registration of these companies and these products that have a large number of orders in the pipeline already to India,” Misri said.
