Countries should refrain from putting restrictions on exporting medical supplies in view of their massive requirement across the globe to combat coronavirus pandemic
The IMF has called on all countries to refrain from putting restrictions on exporting medical supplies in view of their massive requirement across the globe to combat the coronavirus pandemic that has killed at least 119,000 people and infected nearly two million.
Medical supplies like surgical masks, gowns and ventilators are required in massive numbers across the globe because of the coronavirus pandemic that surfaced in central China’s Wuhan city last year and spread to at least 185 countries and territories.
The coronavirus pandemic has infected nearly two million people and killed at least 119,000 globally, according to estimates by the Johns Hopkins University.
Gita Gopinath, Chief Economist, IMF stated “We call on all countries to refrain from putting restrictions on exporting medical supplies. It is really essential, and this is the one, you know, one of the many areas where global cooperation is necessary. This is not a time to restriction the trade of medical supplies and essential equipment around the world.
“But it is very important that this does not become a feature where we reverse all the gains that we have got from globalisation,” Gopinath said.
“Now, the world needs a healthy recovery, it needs a strong recovery, and that will not come about if the world de-globalises because that would severely reduce productivity in the world and that’s the last thing that we want at this time,” Gopinath said in response to a question.