Portuguese plane delivers medicines to Venezuela
Poinews.com – Today, Portugal dispatched 8.7 tonnes of medical supplies to Venezuela, aiming to assist communities affected by the earthquakes that struck on 24 June. The aircraft, departing from Lisbon at 10 a.m., is en route to deliver the goods to the country’s Ministry of Health. This aid comes as part of a broader effort to support recovery efforts following the disaster.
The departure ceremony featured the Secretary of State for Health Management, Francisco Pinheiro Catalão, alongside officials from the Ministry of Health and representatives from the airport authorities. The cargo, which includes essential medicines, was provided by pharmaceutical firms in response to a call for donations from industry organizations. “Through this collaboration, we have secured approximately eight tonnes of medical supplies, contributed by Grupo Tecnimede, BIAL, FAES Farma, Menarini, and Bluepharma, to be handed over to the Ministerio del Poder Popular para la Salud,” a government statement relayed by Lusa said.
Resumption of Air Links
This mission also signifies the revival of direct flights between Portugal and Venezuela, which had been halted due to the seismic events. TAP, the national airline, stated it will initially operate only to Arturo Michelena Airport in Valencia. As the country stabilizes, additional routes, including flights to Caracas, will be reintroduced.
Venezuela experienced two major earthquakes on 24 June, occurring just seconds apart. These tremors have been classified as the nation’s most significant seismic event in the 21st century. Since the disaster, over 1,200 aftershocks have been recorded, compounding the challenges faced by affected populations.
According to current reports, the death toll has reached 4,490, with more than 300 bodies still awaiting identification. The government in Caracas has not yet released a formal count of the missing. Over 16,000 people have been injured, requiring urgent medical care. The situation has also raised concerns about the spread of illnesses such as infections, dengue, and fevers, especially in a country where vaccination rates have declined due to sanctions.
Impact on Healthcare Infrastructure
The earthquakes have severely disrupted healthcare services, with the World Health Organization noting that three hospitals were fully closed and six others are functioning at reduced capacity. This damage has added to the strain on Venezuela’s medical system, making the recent aid from Portugal all the more critical.
Earlier this week, Portugal had already contributed humanitarian assistance to the country, including hygiene kits, two ambulances, and debris-clearing tools. These supplies were transported via Air Force missions, which also carried personnel from the Joint National Operational Force (FOCON) on their return trips.
