Army's specialized medical task force team in Myanmar
New Delhi: As India mounted major relief drive for earthquake-hit Myanmar under Operation Brahma, the Indian Army has deployed a specialised medical task force team from Agra-based 50 (I) Para Brigade to provide urgent humanitarian assistance.
From the elite Shatrujeet Brigade medical responders, a 118-member team led by Lieutenant Colonel Jagneet Gill, landed at Nay Pyi Taw (also spelled Naypidaw) international airport at 11.30pm (Myanmar time) on Saturday. The team carried along with essential medical equipment and supplies.
The Airborne Angels Task Force is trained and equipped to deliver advanced medical and surgical care in disaster-affected zones.
As part of the operation, the Indian Army has begun establishment of a 60-bed medical treatment Centre to provide immediate care to those injured in the calamity.
The m Army’s facility is capable of handling trauma cases, emergency surgeries, and essential medical services to support the local healthcare system, which has been severely strained by the disaster.
“This humanitarian assistance underlines India’s commitment to its ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and the timeless Indian ethos of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ – the world is one family,” Indian Army PRO Colonel Sudhir Chamoli said.
“The Indian Army continues to stand shoulder to shoulder with friendly nations in times of crisis, reflecting India’s resolve to be a first responder in the region.”
“The deployment has been coordinated closely with the Ministry of External Affairs and in partnership with authorities in Myanmar.”
Upon their landing, the Indian ambassador to Myanmar, Abhay Thakur, along with the defence attaché (DA) and naval attaché (NA) of Myanmar received the team members.
Unloading of essential stores and equipment continued until 12.30am, after which the team moved to a designated harbour area located 45 minutes from the airport.
The first reconnaissance party, consisting of one officer and one JCO, was inducted into Mandalay at 08.40am (Myanmar Time),
Mandalay, located 160 miles north of the current base, has been identified as the primary area of operations.
The team commenced movement towards Mandalay by 11am.
“While aerial insertion remains a key mode of deployment, parallel road-based induction is also being explored to establish the operation theater (OT) at Mandalay in the shortest possible time,” an official said.
India has so far dispatched five flights and two warships, carrying men and relief materials to quake-hit Myanmar.
