Defence Minister Rajnath Singh instructs utilization of defence medical facilities to treat civilians for COVID-19

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has instructed to utilize the defence medical facilities to treat civilian people for COVID-19. He has also instructed to utilize additional capacity and resources to provide relief to the people in the wake of rising cases of Coronavirus in the country.

The Defence Minister today chaired a meeting to review the Defence Ministry's preparations and response to COVID-19 situation. The meeting was attended by the three Service Chiefs, Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, Defence Secretary, DRDO Chairman and Director General of Armed Forces Medical Services.

During the meeting, Mr. Rajnath said, that all the requirements will be fulfilled through emergency purchases. He asked to enhance the oxygen availability for the defence and civilian purpose.

Earlier, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh spoke to Army Chief General MM Naravane, Defence Secretary and DRDO chief and asked them to offer available facilities and expertise to civilians during the COVID-19 crisis. Mr Singh also directed Army Chief that local commanders must reach out to Chief Ministers and offer all possible help. Following it, the Defence Secretary also issued instructions to 67 Cantonment Board Hospitals across the country to extend medical services to every patient who reaches out to them.