Medical Corps go the extra mile to motivate doctors posted in far-flung areas

Our Correspondent/Reporter
Kohima/Dimapur, April 13 (EMN): Home Commissioner of Nagaland, Abhijit Sinha on Wednesday lauded the medical fraternity (Medical Corps) and all those who rose to the occasion in combating Covid-19 pandemic.

While maintaining that Covid was a disaster that no one expected, he said it taught a lesson to be prepared for anything.

Sinha was speaking at the flagging-off programme for the Army Medical Corps Motorcycle expedition that reached the state from Imphal on Monday night.

During a brief programme held at PHQ junction in Kohima, Sinha acknowledged the team for coming to Nagaland, describing the Army Medical Corps as the largest medical fraternity in the world that has not only served the service personnel but also worked as frontline workers during the pandemic by extending help to the civilians.

Maintaining that the pandemic is not over yet, the official said people should always be on guard.

Further, he extended good wishes to the expedition team and paid homage to people who lost their lives in the line of duty during the fight against the pandemic.

Meanwhile, the Mission Director (MD) of National Health Mission (NHM), Health and Family Welfare (H&FW), Dr. Thorusie Katiry in his brief address, said the people fought an invisible war and commended them for their contribution, saying that community participation was one of the greatest things that happened during the crisis.

He also acknowledged the contribution of the Army Medical Corps in the fight against the pandemic and lauded them for taking up the expedition to inspire people.

A speech was also delivered by the Joint CEO of Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA), Johnny Ruangmei.

Team leader of Army Medical Corps Motorcycle expedition, Col. Rajesh W Adhau, in his speech highlighted the places the team had explored and acknowledged the people for welcoming them.

He also stated that the expedition was taken up on the occasion of “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav” and to commemorate 258th Army Medical Corps Raising Day under the aegis of Directorate General of Medical Service (Army), encompassing four commands and 12 states including north-eastern states.

During the expedition, the team will visit more than 75 Army and Civil medical establishments to motivate doctors and paramedics posted at far-flung areas and providing critical medical support.

The officer also informed that the expedition started on April 3 and will culminate on April 24, covering more than 9800 km.

The team comprise of psychiatrists, eye specialists, pediatric cardiologist and others.

Col. Adhau, who is also an awardee of Sena medal, mountaineer, adventure enthusiast and Kargil War veteran, was welcomed by Lt. Gen. RC Tiwari, AVSM, SM, GOC Spear Corps and all ranks of Rangapahar Military Station in Dimapur on Wednesday.

The expedition team started from Zakhama and reached Dimapur on Wednesday, covering a distance of 100 km during the first half of the day.

To express solidarity with the riders, the Tetso Motorcycle Club joined the team from Medziphema and accompanied them till Nagaland gate. 

“The motorcycle expedition is being undertaken exclusively by the health fraternity of the Army Medical Corps and will be covered over a span of 20 days of driving time, involving driving in treacherous road condition in the wild, mighty jungles and mountain of northeast states and cover 9800 km,” it was informed.  

Col. Rajesh told journalists that the team reached Nagaland via Shillong-Manipur and were heading to Tezpur in Assam.

“This unique and stupendous biking expedition would not only strengthen the Esprit De Corp and spirit of adventurism among all ranks of armed forces but will also help in showcasing tough and robust side of the Army Medical Corps Warriors,” a statement from the Rangapahar Military Station read.

The team conveyed its gratitude to the locals and military establishments for their encouragement.

It may be mentioned that the flagging-off programme of the expedition was held at the National War Memorial in New Delhi on April 3.  The GOC Lt. Gen. RC Tiwari flagged-off the expedition team at the Rangapahar Military station in Dimapur on their onward journey to Tezpur, Assam.