India has been receiving international donations and aid of medical supplies and equipment since April 27

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is operating a Covid Air Support Management Cell (CASMC) at Delhi's Palam Air Base to efficiently coordinate the distribution of all the Covid-19 relief aid coming from foreign countries.

The cell has been operational round-the-clock since April 27, the day India began receiving international donations and aid of Covid-19 relief medical supplies and equipment from different countries and organisations.

One C-130 and two AN-32 transport aircraft are operating at Palam from April 28 to air lift load on short notice across the country, the Ministry of Defence said on Sunday.

Resources have been coordinated to cater for surge operations. This includes manpower, ground handling and loading equipment and vehicles like flat top trailers and fork lifters.

A mock drill for an emergency airlift was also carried out on April 29 in order to streamline coordination amongst various stakeholders.

Communication links with all important stakeholders like MoHFW, Secy COVID, Hindustan Latex Limited (HLL) and the Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS) have been established for seamless flow of information and to reduce time delays.

A meeting with Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), Air India SATS and Air Force Movement Liaison Unit was held to streamline Customs and warehousing related issues, the defence ministry said.