COVID-19: IAF Deploys 5 Types of Aircrafts to Deliver Essential Items

New Delhi- The Indian Airforce has joined the ongoing fight against COVID-19 as it has deployed 5 types of aircrafts to ferry essential items to different parts of the country. 

It is indeed very thoughtful on the part of the Indian Airforce to pitch in for the fight against the ongoing pandemic which with every passing day is skyrocketing and spiraling out of control. 

This heroic operation began on Thursday when the IAF airlifted three oxygen containers from Hindon to Panagarh in West Bengal, supplying the essential items to different centres as a measure for COVID relief. The IAF also transported oxygen cylinders from Begumpet to Bhubaneswar on Friday. 

The essential items airlifted by the IAF in order to set up and sustain COVID-19 hospitals and facilities to counter the massive spike in cases are oxygen containers, cylinders, essential medicines, and other necessary equipment. 

Several aircraft have also been kept as a reserve force to cater to the additional workload if and when deemed necessary. 

The Defence Ministry on Friday said, "The IAF transport aircraft and helicopters have been pressed into service for carrying out these tasks. These include C-17, C-130J, IL-76, An-32 and Avro. Chinook and Mi-17 helicopters are on standby." The ministry also added by saying that it had also airlifted doctors and nursing staff from Kochi, Mumbai, Vizag and Bangalore to Delhi and that transport planes and choppers are on standby for being deployed at short notice. 

According to the Press Information Bureau (DEFENCE WING) Government Of India, the Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) as of today has deployed additional doctors, including specialists, super specialists, and paramedics, at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel (SVP0 COVID hospital in Delhi to cater to the current surge in COVID-19 cases.

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh is reviewing MoD efforts to deal with the current COVID19 situation at 12.30 this afternoon with CDS, Service Chiefs, Defense Secretary, Chairman DRDO, DG AFMS, and other senior officials of MoD. Read more

One C-17 of the Indian Air Force got airborne at 2 am on 24th Apr 21 from Hindan Air Base for Changi International Airport, Singapore. The aircraft arrived in Singapore at 0745 am. After loading 4 containers of cryogenic oxygen tanks, it will depart Singapore, land at Panagarh air base, and offload these containers by this evening. Read more

Meanwhile, India once again shatters its own previous records as 3.46 Lakh Fresh COVID-19 Cases have been reported in the last 24 hours which takes the nation's total caseload to 1.66 crores. The number of active cases amounts to about 25.43 lakh. 2,624 new COVID-induced fatalities have been reported in the last 24 hours, the highest deaths recorded in a single day so far, taking the total tally of deaths to 1.89 lakh. Today marks the third consecutive day when more than 3 lakh cases have been recorded.

Also read- COVID Update: India Reports Highest Single-Day Spike with 3.46 Lakh Fresh Cases

Also watch- Khowang Records 52 COVID Cases, Ramps up Testing and Vaccination Drive