Kochi: In a medical emergency operation, the Southern Naval Command on Friday pressed into service a civil hired vessel to evacuate a preganant lady from Androth in Lakshadweep to a Kavaratti hospital to undergo ceasarian section.
“The Director of Medical Sciences, Indira Gandhi Hospital, Androth, in Laksh-adweep & Minicoy (L&M) islands contacted the Naval Base, INS Dweeprakshak, with a request for undertaking medical evacuation of a 23 year old pregnant female patient from Androth to Kavaratti Island. Due to complications the woman was required to undergo caesarean surgery which could not be undertaken at Androth due to lack of facilities,” said a Navy release.
‘As the Island Helicopter (Pawan Hans) was non-operational, the movement of patient could not be undertaken by Air Naval Officer In Charge (L&M). INS Dweepr-akshak and Naval Detachment, Androth coordinated with Southern Naval Comm-and (SNC) and civil administration for undertaking the medical evacuation. MV Triton Liberty, a civil hired vessel under SNC which was at Kavaratti, was directed, post cancellation of its ongoing Naval operational task, to proceed to Androth for evacuating the patient,” said the release.
The patient along with medical staff and escorts were embarked on board MV Triton Liberty at 9 pm on May 24 and disembarked at Kavaratti at 4 am on May 25.
The patient underwent surgery at 6 am and delivered a baby girl. MPV Triton Liberty is a vessel hired by the Indian Navy for logistics support of L&M islands.
