nThe Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) has “activated” all its hospitals and operationalised a Covid care centre in Delhi for serving and retired personnel of the force in view of the spurt in coronavirus infections across the country.
ITBP director general S S Deswal issued a message in this regard to around 90,000 personnel and an estimated 20,000 retired and dependents of the force that was raised in 1962 after the Chinese aggression.
“All our hospitals have been activated to treat our ‘Himveers’ (braves of the mountains) and their families. Our doctors are highly motivated and committed to take care of you. A helpline is being started in this regard. A COVID care centre has been made functional at Chhawla (south-west Delhi) campus and it is fully equipped,” a statement issued by the force quoting the DG said.
“We are always concerned and committed to take care of our veterans and their families. These facilities are available to our veterans also,” it added.
Deswal said it was again “challenging times for the country in view of the second assault by COVID-19.”
“Most of you have been vaccinated as per priority given to us by the government. We are warriors, and will fight it out by following the COVID-19 safety protocols,” the message said.
The ITBP chief asked the personnel not to take any chances.
“Himveers have to save other citizens also by rendering all help. Be a sincere follower of COVID-19 safety protocol. Protect yourself, families, and near and dear ones,” the message said.
The ITBP is primarily tasked to guard the 3,488-km-long Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China apart from rendering a variety of duties in the internal security domain of the country.
As per official data published on April 14, various central armed police forces (CAPFs) are also witnessing a jump in coronavirus infections as the country is witnessing a surge in recent times.