ITANAGAR, 9 Sep: Department of Civil Aviation in coordination with Indian Air Force (IAF) evacuated two critically injured patients from Mechuka in Shi-Yomi district to Mohanbari in Assam's Dibrugarh district on 8 September.

The emergency evacuation was initiated following a request by Mechuka circle officer Ritu Tawe considering the critical condition of the patients, Civil Aviation secretary Mamata Riba, said.

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

During the operation, Aalo ADC Mabi Taipodia Jini, DMO Dr. Linya Lollen and medical superintendent Dr. Karken Rina acted proactively and ensured timely medical intervention and necessary medical support at Helipad, Aalo while the patients were being transferred from one helicopter to another.

The successful evacuation of patients by IAF helicopter was the result of a concerted team effort involving the Department of Civil Aviation, Air Head Quarter, Eastern Air Command (IAF) Shillong, district administrations at Mechuka and Aalo, medical officer Mechuka and health authorities at Aalo, Additional Resident Commissioner, Mohanbari with every stakeholder responding promptly to ensure that the patients received timely medical assistance.

In spite of short notice and challenging weather conditions over Tato and a small window before sunset, the EAC (IAF) HQ Shillong and Air Head Quarter New Delhi, prioritized the evacuation.

The department of civil aviation sincerely acknowledged and appreciated the efforts of all officers, personnel and agencies involved in the operation, especially the Indian Air Force for its prompt response and invaluable support in ensuring the safe and timely evacuation of the patients.