Indian Army sends medical team to quake-hit Venezuela under Operation Amistad

NEW DELHI — The Indian Army dispatched a specialized medical contingent Thursday to assist earthquake relief efforts in northern Venezuela, the defense ministry said.

The team from 60 Para Field Hospital departed from Hindon Air Force Station and is en route to Venezuela aboard two Indian Air Force aircraft under Operation Amistad.

The 41-member contingent includes nine medical officers. It 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 about six tons of medical stores and humanitarian relief supplies provided by the Ministry of External Affairs.

One of the aircraft is also transporting a BHISHM Cube — short for Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog, Hita & Maitri — under India’s Aarogya Maitri Project.

The BHISHM Cube is an indigenous, rapidly deployable modular medical facility designed for disaster and humanitarian response. Made up of compact, self-contained modules, it can be quickly assembled into a field hospital capable of advanced trauma care, emergency surgeries, intensive care and treatment for up to 200 patients.

The cube is equipped with portable ventilators, patient monitors, diagnostic equipment, surgical instruments, power generation and oxygen support systems. Officials said it enhances India’s ability to provide swift medical assistance during crises worldwide.

The dispatch of the medical contingent reflects India’s commitment to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief and its readiness to extend timely support to friendly nations in times of crisis, the ministry said.