IAF airlifts 25 tonnes of medical supplies in three days

The force has airlifted medical supplies from Delhi, Surat and Chandigarh to Manipur, Nagaland and the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

"The medical supplies include personal protective equipment, hand sanitisers, surgical gloves, thermal scanners and medical personnel. Regular airlift of COVID-19 test samples from the Union Territory of Ladakh to Delhi is also being carried out," the Indian Air Force said in a statement.

To carry out these emergency assignments, C-17, C-130, An-32, AVRO and Dornier aircraft of the IAF are being tasked on requirement basis. "IAF is adequately geared up to meet all the emerging demands," the force added.

In addition, several quarantine facilities created at various IAF bases across the country continue to be in a state of readiness.

Medical care to Indian citizens evacuated from Iran and Malaysia is being provided at Air Force bases at Hindan and Tambaram, respectively.

COVID-19 testing laboratory at the Command Hospital Air Force, Bengaluru, is operational for testing.

Meanwhile, comprehensive measures have been taken to control the spread of the dreaded virus 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 the coronavirus pandemic," the force said.

IAF stations are also continuing to provide meals and support to all people from economically weaker sections of the society residing in their neighbourhoods.