by: Navjeevan Express

Coronavirus: IAF transports 450 tonnes of medical equipment, support materials

NE NEWS SERVICE
NEW DELHI, APRIL 20

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has transported 450 tonnes of medical equipment and other essential supplies to date amid the coronavirus lockdown in the country, the Defence Ministry said on Monday.

An IAF C-130J aircraft being loaded with essential medical supplies and commodities to be airlifted to various parts of the country as part of IAF’s assistance to the civil administration to fight against the spread of COVID-19. – NE photo

The IAF has mobilised its planes and helicopters along with the necessary support infrastructure to create and maintain “air-bridges” between nodal supply bases and recipient locations across the country, the ministry noted in its press release.

An IAF aircraft being loaded with essential medical supplies and commodities to be airlifted to various parts of the country as part of IAF’s assistance to the civil administration to fight against the spread of COVID-19.- NE photo

“The IAF has undertaken transportation of medical supplies, including PPE (personal protective equipment), testing kits, sanitization material and associated equipment along with the movement by air of medical personnel,” the ministry stated.

The IAF has airlifted material to locations in 16 states and union territories (UTs) of Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh and Puducherry since March 25.

“The critical requirement of transporting swab samples for testing from the UT of Ladakh continues to be undertaken by the IAF,” the defence ministry said.

“Also, IAF has also airlifted COVID-19 support material for various agencies, including DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation) and ICMR (Indian Council of Medical Research),” the ministry stated.

To date, the IAF has transported approximately 450 tonnes of medical equipment and support materials, it noted.

Information about the precautions for COVID-19 along with the regular guidelines issued by the Government of India continues to be disseminated to all IAF bases.

Stringent sanitization and social distancing measures have been put in place to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus in IAF workplaces.

The ‘Arogya Setu’ application is being utilised by IAF personnel and their family members as a proactive measure for keeping them safe, the release added.