As part of the nation’s fight against COVID-19, Indian Navy ships under Southern Naval Command at Kochi are moving ahead with the mission of deploying Oxygen Express to assist the local administration of the Union Territory of Lakshadweep (UTL).
In the early hours on 25th April, INS Sharda, based at Kochi, ferried essential medical supplies to Karavatti, the capital of UTL. The stores consisted of 35 Oxygen cylinders, Rapid Antigen Detection Test (RADT) kits, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), masks, and other items to fight the disease. The disembarkation of stores was coordinated by personnel from INS Dweeprakshak at Karavatti. The ship then continued with her mission to the island of Minicoy for disembarkation of Oxygen cylinders and medical supplies.
Additionally, 41 empty Oxygen cylinders from the islands have been embarked onboard Indian Navy hired vessel, Meghna. The vessel is now headed to Kochi for refilling of the empty cylinders and will head back to UTL with filled cylinders soon to ensure that the Oxygen Express continues unabated.
HQSNC 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.
