Op Amistad wins hearts in Venezuela as earthquake survivors praise Indian Army’s medical team

Caracas, July 4 (IANS) As India’s medical teams continue providing humanitarian assistance to people affected by the devastating earthquakes in Venezuela under ‘Operation Amistad’, survivors and their families have expressed heartfelt gratitude for the treatment and care being extended by the Indian Army’s Field Hospital.

In a video shared by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the father of a young girl injured in the twin earthquakes that struck the South American nation on June 24 praised the Indian medical team for helping his daughter recover.

Speaking about her condition, he said, “She is a little better. The service has been spectacular, with very good care. I am very happy, satisfied and grateful for all your support. I feel very thankful. This truly has no price. For me, it was a pleasure to have met you.”

He further appreciated the preparedness of the Indian team, saying, “The medical team had all the tools they needed, which is the most important thing, as they may not really be readily available here. Thank you from me, my daughter and wife. Welcome to Venezuela.”

Praising the doctors and nurses, he added, “It was an amazing team, with good nurses and doctors, and with a lot of love, which is the most important thing.”

Sharing the latest photographs from the Indian Army’s Field Hospital, the MEA wrote on X, “Bringing care. Bringing smiles. The Army Field Hospital continues to serve the people of Venezuela.”

India launched ‘Operation Amistad’ to support Venezuela following devastating twin earthquakes of magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5 on June 24 that claimed over 2,000 lives and caused widespread destruction across the country.

Earlier, a survivor with multiple fractures described the treatment being provided at the Field Hospital established by the Indian Army as “excellent”.

Lauding the compassionate approach of the Indian medical team, the patient said that the medical staff on duty at the Field Hospital has a “gentle touch” which is why the patient does not feel any pain.

In a video shared by the MEA on X, the survivor with multiple fractures thanked the Indian team for medical assistance. “The treatment is excellent. Indian team here has a gentle touch. One doesn’t feel any pain. Thank you so much for your help.”

The man said that he suffered major injuries, including two fractures in his arm and a hairline fracture in his foot, when an earthquake struck La Guaira – the epicentre of the tragedy. “I was with my dad and my sister,” he stated.

A local, who accompanied a patient in the field hospital, praised the Indian medical team for their skills, dedication and care they provide to the people in the field hospital.

“I admire the skills you demonstrate, the dedication and the care you give to each patient here. And I have seen how committed you are to each patient here, in these conditions,” she said.

Expressing gratitude to the Indian medical team, she said, “I am grateful. Truly grateful. I have no words.”

She once again expressed gratitude to the Indian medical professionals who continue to provide treatment to people at the Army Field Hospital.

“I have seen the dedication, effort, and love put into the care of each patient treated here. Hopefully, what is being done here will be replicated. Love, dedication, commitment, a sense of calling, and respect for every patient. I am very grateful,” she mentioned.

While sharing the video on X, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, “Care brings hope. The Army Field Hospital is serving communities with dedication and compassion.”

The MEA also shared several pictures on X, which showed people receiving treatment at the field hospital set up by the Indian Army in Venezuela following the twin earthquakes on June 24.

The humanitarian assistance sent by India reached Venezuela on June 28. While announcing the development, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar expressed confidence that the Field Hospital Unit, relief supplies, medicines and medical equipment will bolster ongoing post-earthquake relief efforts in the country.

“Indian assistance reaches Venezuela. Confident that the Field Hospital Unit, relief supplies, medicines and medical equipment will bolster ongoing post-earthquake relief efforts in the country,” EAM Jaishankar had posted on X.

–IANS

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