The Indian Air Force (IAF) has airlifted 25 tons of medical supplies to Northeast and other parts of the country in the last three days in its support towards the nation’s efforts to contain the spread of COVID19.
According to the latest update, India has registered a total of 1,397 positive cases with 35 deaths.
As a preventive measure to contain the spread of COVID19, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced 21-day nationwide lockdown from March 24 midnight.
“IAF has airlifted nearly 25 tons of essential medical supplies in the last three days from Delhi, Surat, Chandigarh to Manipur, Nagaland and the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh,” the IAF said in a statement.
The medical supplies include personal protective equipment, hand sanitizers, surgical gloves and thermal scanners, it stated.
Regular airlift of COVID test samples from the Union Territory of Ladakh to Delhi is also being carried, it added.
“Towards this, C-17, C-130, An-32, AVRO & Dornier aircraft of IAF are being tasked on as required basis and IAF is adequately geared up to meet all the emerging demands,” the IAF further said.
In addition, several quarantine facilities created at various IAF bases across the country, continue in a state of readiness.
Medical care to Indian citizens evacuated from Iran and Malaysia is being provided at Air bases at Hindan and Tambaram respectively.
“COVID19 testing laboratory at Command Hospital Air Force, Bengaluru is operational for testing,” it said.
Meanwhile, comprehensive measures have been taken to control the spread of the contagion at all bases of the IAF.
Guidelines laid down by the Government of India are being strictly adhered to while ensuring that IAF assets and air bases are ready to support the national effort to fight Coronavirus (COVID19) pandemic.
IAF stations also continue to provide meals & support to all people from economically weaker section of the society residing in their neighborhood.