Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday amid the deadly second wave of COVID-19 in the country. He briefed PM Modi on the efforts being undertaken by IAF to help in the COVID-19 related situation, Prime Minister’s Office said.
The PMO said in a statement that the Air Chief Marshal informed PM that IAF has ordered 24×7 readiness of entire heavy lift fleet and substantial numbers of medium lift fleets to operate in a hub and spoke model to rapidly meet all COVID related tasking. Aircrew for all fleets augmented to ensure round the clock operations.
PM Modi stressed on the need to increase speed, scale and safety of ops in transporting oxygen tankers and other essential material. He spoke about need to ensure that IAF personnel engaged in COVID related ops remain safe. He also spoke about need to ensure safety of all COVID related operations, the PMO said.
The Air Chief Marshal informed that IAF is deploying big as well as medium-sized aircraft to cover all terrains. He briefed PM about a dedicated COVID Air Support Cell set up by IAF. This will ensure faster co-ordination with different ministries and agencies to COVID related operations, it added.
Meanwhile, PM Modi inquired about health of IAF personnel and their families. Air Chief Marshal apprised him that near saturation vaccination coverage achieved in IAF. He also informed PM that hospitals under IAF have increased covid facilities and also allowing civilians wherever possible.
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