The PM also reviewed operations being undertaken by IAF to transport oxygen and other essentials

Given the continued surge in coronavirus cases, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday reviewed with Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat the preparations and operations being undertaken by the armed forces to deal with the pandemic.

As per a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, the CDS briefed PM Modi that all medical personnel from armed forces who have retired or taken premature retirement in the last 2 years are being recalled to work in Covid facilities within proximity of their present place of residence.

Other medical officers who retired earlier have also been requested to make their services available for consultation through medical emergency help lines.

Prime Minister Modi was also informed that all medical officers on staff appointments at Command HQ, Corps HQ, Division HQ and similar HQ of Navy and Air-Force will be employed at hospitals.

The CDS informed the Prime Minister that nursing personnel are being employed in large numbers to complement the doctors at the hospitals. Prime Minister Modi was also briefed that oxygen cylinders available with armed forces in various establishments will be released for hospitals.

The CDS also said that they are creating medical facilities in large numbers and where possible military medical infrastructure will be made available to civilians.

The Prime Minister also reviewed the operations being undertaken by IAF to transport oxygen and other essentials in India and abroad.

Prime Minister Modi also asked the CDS that Kendriya and Rajya Sainik Welfare Boards and officers posted in various headquarters in veterans cells may be instructed to coordinate the services of veterans to extend the reach to maximum extent possible including in remote areas.