The Indian Army’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, dubbed Operation Namaste, is a multi-faceted initiative aimed at supporting the government’s efforts in combating the global health crisis. In this article, we dissect the key components of this operation and discuss its broader implications on the nation’s fight against the virus.
Operation Namaste: An Overview
As part of Operation Namaste, soldiers have been encouraged to adhere to lockdown measures unless they are required for any operational role. The focus is also on maintaining their physical fitness during these testing times. Additionally, the army has assured soldiers that their families will be well taken care of amidst this crisis. Leave extensions for those currently on leave have been sanctioned whilst curtailing fresh leave to a minimum.
Quarantine and Segregation Facilities
The army has established quarantine facilities in six locations, namely Manesar, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Chennai, Hindan and Mumbai. These facilities currently accommodate 1,463 individuals who were evacuated from countries affected by the coronavirus. Further plans are underway to set up more facilities in Kolkata, Visakhapatnam, Kochi, Dundigal, Bengaluru, Kanpur, Jaisalmer, Jorhat, and Gorakhpur which can be ready within 72 hours if necessary.
Armed Forces Hospitals as COVID facilities
In another strategic move, 28 Armed Forces hospitals have been designated as COVID hospitals to treat both military and civilian patients alike. This will include civilians transferred from state health authorities. Five hospitals from the Army, Navy and the Air Force are conducting coronavirus tests using the RT-PCR method, and more hospitals are set to join them in the near future.
The Role of Cantonment Boards
62 Cantonment Boards have been directed to identify beds in hospitals, health centres, and guesthouses to prepare for any possible eventualities. This shows the army’s willingness to step up and support the public health system in these tough times.
Contributions by Other Forces
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has also joined the fight against COVID-19 by developing ventilators and supplying crucial medical equipment. The Indian Navy has done its part by delivering 60,000 face masks ordered by the Indian Medical Association in Goa. These masks were initially stuck in Delhi due to lockdown but the navy managed to deliver them using the Ilyushin 38 SD aircrafts which are primarily deployed for surveillance, search and rescue, maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare operations.
INS Hansa: A Key Naval Base
The air station where the face masks were loaded onto the Ilyushin 38 SD aircraft is INS Hansa, one of the Indian Navy’s largest air bases. Located near Dabolim in Goa, INS Hansa serves both domestic as well as international flights round the clock.
The Indian Army’s Operation Namaste embodies the spirit of unity and collective action required in the face of a global pandemic. It showcases the commitment of our nation’s armed forces to protect and serve the population during these unprecedented times.
