Over 9,000 beds in military hospitals to deal with COVID cases: Gen Rawat  

Over 9,000 beds in military hospitals have been allocated to deal with COVID-19 cases, the Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat informed Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday in a meeting to review preparedness to assist the civil authorities.

Gen Rawat said exclusive hospitals are identified to take care of coronavirus cases. "Over 1,000 evacuees are quarantined at facilities in Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Chennai, Manesar, Hindan and Mumbai. Their quarantine period will end by April 7, 2020," General Rawat told Singh.

The Defence Minister reviewed through video conference the assistance being extended by various organisations of the Ministry to fight COVID-19.

Singh appreciated the efforts being made by various services, organisations and DPSUs in terms of evacuation, provision of health care in quarantine facilities and research & production of medical equipment such as sanitizers, facemasks and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

He directed the organisations to redouble their efforts and work in close coordination with other ministries and organisations of Central government.

Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Karambir Singh informed the Defence Minister that naval ships are on standby to extend any required assistance. He said the Navy is also extending assistance as required by local civilian administration.

Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal R.K.S. Bhadauria said the Air Force planes conducted several sorties within the country in the last five days to transport approximately 25 tonnes of medical supplies. He said critical operational work is continuing while ensuring all necessary precautions.

Indian Army Chief General M.M. Naravane said that more than 8,500 doctors and support staff are available to extend necessary assistance to civilian administration.

Referring to Singh's direction that help should be provided to neighbouring countries, he said assistance to Nepal in the form of medical equipment will be delivered shortly.

Secretary Department of Defence and Chairman DRDO Dr G Satheesh Reddy informed Rajnath Singh that 50,000 litres of sanitizers made by DRDO labs were supplied to various security entities, including Delhi Police and another one lakh litres were supplied all over the country.

He said, a five-layered nano technology face masks N99 are being made on a war footing. As many as 10,000 have already been made and soon per day production will be extended to 20,000.

DRDO labs have also supplied 40,000 other face masks to Delhi Police. The DRDO Secretary, being a member of the empowered Group of Secretaries, is coordinating closely with Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on the requirement of medical equipment.

Another DRDO laboratory has also made arrangements to make 20,000 PPE per day. DRDO is also engaged in a minor modification of ventilators so that one machine can support four patients at the same time.

Director General of Armed Force Medical Services Lieutenant General Anup Banerji said necessary equipment have been procured and dispatched to various hospitals.

"Retired health professionals have also been kept in readiness to volunteer their services. Approximately 25,000 NCC cadets are being mobilised to provide necessary local assistance," he said.

The Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) is also engaged in manufacturing hand sanitisers, face masks and PPE.-IANS