In 2021, Nepal was hit hard by the Delta variant of COVID‑19, with daily infections peaking at over 9,000 cases in early May and positivity rates exceeding 40%. Hospitals in Kathmandu and across the country faced severe shortages of oxygen, beds, and ventilators, leaving critical care units overwhelmed and struggling to treat the growing number of patients requiring respiratory support.
On 8 May 2021, Nepal formally requested international assistance for 900 ventilators through the EU Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC). Responding to this urgent need, the Government of Luxembourg committed to providing eight advanced Puritan Bennett 840 ventilators—equipment capable of treating patients across all age groups, from neonatal to adult care.
The donation was confirmed on 25 August 2021, with the ventilators ready for immediate dispatch. Known for their reliability, dual‑microprocessor architecture, and upgradeable design, the units were well suited to Nepal’s strained healthcare environment, ensuring consistent performance in critical care settings.
The equipment was transported via commercial logistics, with organised pallet shipment through Schenker to Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, where it was formally handed over to representatives of the Ministry of Health.
The operation was partially funded through EU support, with approximately 75% of transport costs covered by an ECHO grant, while Luxembourg contributed the remaining share.
