Army Chief informs PM that force is giving all needful help to states, people

Tribune News Service
New Delhi, April 29

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday reviewed the Army’s preparedness in dealing with the serious situation arising out of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country, as Chief of Staff MM Naravane called on him to apprise him of the various measures so far taken by the personnel of the defence force.

According to an official statement issued by the government, Naravane told the Prime Minister that the Army was making its medical staff available to state governments and was setting up temporary hospitals in various parts of the country to fight the pandemic.

During the meeting, the Army Chief apprised the Prime Minister that efforts are being made to open the force’s hospitals for civilians, wherever possible, and that citizens could approach their nearest Army hospitals, the statement said.

“General MM Naravane informed the Prime Minister that the Army is helping with manpower for imported oxygen tankers and vehicles, where specialised skills are required to manage them,” the statement read.

The Prime Minister has been holding daily meetings with various stakeholders both within the government and outside to marshal the country’s resources in its fight against coronavirus, as the pandemic has been raging in various parts of the country.