MECHUKA, SEP 9:

Two seriously injured patients were evacuated from Mechuka in Shi-Yomi district to Mohanbari in Dibrugarh in a coordinated emergency air evacuation operation involving the Department of Civil Aviation Arunachal Pradesh and the Indian Air Force (IAF) on Tuesday.

The evacuation was initiated following an indent placed by Mechuka Circle Officer Ritu Tawe, considering the critical condition of 40-year-old Yajap Pujor Jibng and 45-year-old Chapi Pudur.

An IAF helicopter reached Mechuka at around 2.50 pm and evacuated the patients to Mohanbari, where it landed at approximately 4.20 pm. The patients were subsequently shifted by ambulance to a hospital in Dibrugarh for further treatment.

During the operation, Aalo ADC Mabi Taipodia Jini, Aalo District Medical Officer Dr Linya Lollen and Aalo Medical Superintendent Dr Karken Rina ensured timely medical intervention and necessary support at Aalo helipad as the patients were transferred between helicopters.

The evacuation was made possible through coordinated efforts involving the Department of Civil Aviation, IAF Air Headquarters, Eastern Air Command Shillong, the district administrations of Mechuka and Aalo, Mechuka Medical Officer, Aalo health authorities, Additional Resident Commissioner Mohanbari and the Mohanbari health team.

Despite the short notice, challenging weather conditions over Tato and a limited operational window before sunset, the Eastern Air Command Shillong and Air Headquarters New Delhi prioritised the evacuation sortie to ensure timely medical assistance to the patients.

Civil Aviation Secretary Mamata Riba expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Defence, Air Headquarters and Eastern Air Command Shillong for their prompt and crucial support, and appreciated all officers, personnel and agencies involved in the successful operation.

She also conveyed special appreciation to the Indian Air Force for its prompt response and invaluable assistance in ensuring the safe and timely evacuation of the two patients.