Indian Navy deploys 'Oxygen Express' to Lakshwadeep islands

On Sunday morning, INS Sharda, based at Kochi, undertook transfer of essential medical supplies to Lakshadweep's Kavaratti. The stores consisted of 35 oxygen cylinders, rapid antigen detection test (RADT) kits, personal protective equipment (PPE), masks and other items to fight the pandemic. 

"The disembarkation of stores was coordinated by personnel from INS Dweeprakshak at Kavaratti. The ship then continued with her mission to the island of Minicoy for disembarkation of Oxygen cylinders and medical supplies," Commander Vivek Madhwal said. Additionally, 41 empty oxygen cylinders from the islands have been embarked onboard Indian Navy's hired vessel, Meghna. 

The vessel is now headed to Kochi for refilling of the empty cylinders and will head back to Lakshadweep with filled cylinders soon to ensure that the Oxygen Express continues unabated. The operations are being progressed under the supervision of the Naval Officer-in-Charge at Lakshadweep in coordination with the Lakshadweep administration. 

To assist the civil administration in fighting Covid at the island of Kadmat, a Naval contingent comprising one doctor, two medical assistants and one additional sailor reached Kadmat. The personnel have been deputed from Southern Naval Command, Kochi as well as from INS Dweeprakshak, Kavaratti. 

Southern Naval Command headquarters has also reserved ten beds including ICU facilities for patients from Lakshadweep at INHS Sanjivani, Kochi to cater for shortages in beds at the islands. Also, Naval Air Station INS Garuda has also been placed on alert to extend Naval airfield facilities for UTL helicopters ferrying patients. 

Air evacuation pods developed indigenously by the Naval Aircraft Yard, Kochi to airlift Covid-19 patients from the islands as well as from elsewhere are also being made ready for emergency requirements.