The Indian Army has dispatched a specialized medical contingent to Venezuela to assist in humanitarian relief efforts following the devastating earthquake that struck the northern part of the country. The medical team from 60 Para Field Hospital departed on June 26 from Hindon Air Force Station and is currently en route to Venezuela aboard two Indian Air Force C-17 Globemaster aircraft. Operation Amistad, the mission to provide humanitarian aid, reflects India’s commitment to disaster relief and its readiness to extend support to friendly nations in times of crisis. The contingent comprises 41 personnel, including nine medical officers, and is equipped to provide emergency medical care, trauma management, life-saving surgical support, and other essential healthcare services to those affected by the earthquake.
The team is carrying nearly six tonnes of medical stores and humanitarian relief supplies provided by the Ministry of External Affairs. In addition, one of the aircraft is transporting a BHISHM Cube, a state-of-the-art, indigenous, rapidly deployable modular medical facility designed specifically for disaster and humanitarian response. The BHISHM Cube can be quickly assembled into a fully functional field hospital capable of delivering advanced trauma care, emergency surgeries, intensive care support, and essential medical treatment for up to 200 patients.
The aircraft will be landing at friendly countries midway for refueling, as the aerial distance between India and Venezuela is about 14,300 km, exceeding the range of the Globemaster. The dispatch of the medical contingent under Operation Amistad demonstrates India’s capability to provide swift and effective medical assistance during humanitarian crises anywhere in the world. The medical team’s efforts will be crucial in providing relief to those affected by the earthquake in Venezuela.
