Armed Forces doctors get service extension amid COVID crisis

Indian Air Force aircraft and helicopters have started transporting medical staff and equipment such as oxygen containers across the country as part of a series of efforts to assist civil authorities in the fight against Covid-19.

The defence ministry on Friday also gave an extension in service to all short-commissioned doctors till the end of this year – making 238 more doctors available at locations across the country, and allocated emergency financial powers to the Armed Forces Medical Services. Defence minister Rajnath Singh allocated emergency funds, allowing procurement of equipment and medicines of up to Rs 5 crore per case without going through a lengthy selection process, after a meeting with top medical services officers.

An air force spokesperson said IAF transport aircraft and helicopters including C-17, C-130J, IL-76, An-32 and Avro have been pressed into service to help civil authorities deal with the situation.