We Are Ready To Counter Coronavirus Outbreak With '6 Hour Plan', Says Army Chief MM Naravane

Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane has said that there are ‘6-hour’ contingency plans to counter the outbreak of deadly coronavirus. Under this, the Army can prepare isolation centers and ICU immediately. "Almost one-third of Army's field hospitals have been kept standby for converting into COVID-19 hospital in the virus hotspots," the Indian Army Chief was quoted as saying by news reports. General Naravane also said that the Quick Reaction Medical Teams (QRMT) are on standby and can be mobalised at six-hours’ notice to meet any requirement of civil administration.

Army has already built the Corona Help Line Center at Eastern Command, Western Command, Southeastern Command, Central Command, Northern Command, South Western Command, and Delhi Headquarters.

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Meanwhile, the Army Chief launched 'Operation Namaste' to extend all possible assistance to the government in its fight against coronavirus. He also asked all Army jawans to be safe and take prescribed precautions against COVID-19 and assured them that special care is being taken of their family members.

"I would request everyone to take care of themselves and their families. Your safety is my first responsibility," the Army Chief said.

"I want to assure all the soldiers posted on the border that we will take special care of your families. We will achieve success in the 'Operation Namaste'," he told reporters.

In a message to family members of soldiers posted along India’s border with China and India, General Naravane said that the Army is taking care of its jawans serving the country in this difficult time.

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"As the Army Chief, it is my priority to protect my force. We all will have to stay away from this disease. We will be able to serve the nation when we are away from the disease," he said.

Under ‘Operation Namaste’, a series of the directive has been issued to all bases to insulate the force from the coronavirus.