CRPF opens combat-support hospitals in Naxal hotbed of Bastar

RAIPUR: Marking the Republic day, the CRPF today inaugurated two first-of-their kind 'battlefield' hospitals in the Naxal hotbeds of Bastar in Chhattisgarh which will provide immediate first aid to injured security forces personnel undertaking anti-Maoist operations as well as locals in the area.

CRPF Inspector General (Operations) H S Sidhu flew down on a chopper from Raipur for the formal launching of the two hospitals in Bijapur and the other at Chintalnar in Dantewada.

The mini combat-support hospital, aided with life sustaining and resuscitation gadgets, are the first operational medical facility for security troops operating in various Maoist-affected states.

"About 150 villagers have been treated today at the two camps today. The force has posted two doctors in alternate shifts and the facilities will be operational 24X7," a senior officer said.

The hospital have been housed inside the fortified Central Reserve Police Force camp in both the violence-hit districts in south Bastar.

The area is synonymous with the worst-ever Naxal ambush carried out on security forces in 2010 where 76 men were killed.

The force also hoisted the tricolour at these locations to mark the Republic Day.

Officials said such hospitals are created by the Army and defence forces in the battle ground during wars and conflicts so that troops in operations are provided immediate medical help before they are evacuated by air or road for advanced treatment.

The CRPF, which has a full-fledged medical wing under its establishment, has based a team of doctors and para-medics at this camp round-the-clock on the directions of CRPF Director General Prakash Mishra.

The location of the hospital is considered apt as Chintalnar and the jungles of Dantewada are the most difficult areas to operate because they are frequented by armed Maoist cadres as it is heavily forested and lies near the tri- junction border axis of Chhattisgarh, Odisha and Maharashtra.