Caracas: People in Venezuela have expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Indian medical team deployed at a field hospital set up under Operation Amistad, which is treating victims of the recent devastating earthquakes.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Tuesday shared video clips showing patients receiving care and thanking Indian doctors and defence personnel for providing timely medical assistance.
In one of the testimonies, a local resident said she was overwhelmed by the quality of care, noting that she had not experienced such medical attention in decades. “I am deeply grateful. I haven’t seen such medical attention in 60 years,” she said, adding that her condition had improved significantly after treatment.
She also appreciated the arrangement made by the Indian team for her return journey after treatment, saying an ambulance was provided to take her home. She described the Indian personnel as “one family” working alongside the local community in a time of crisis.
Another resident echoed similar sentiments, highlighting that all treatment and medicines were provided free of cost. She thanked India for setting up the field hospital and said it had been highly beneficial for the local population.
India launched Operation Amistad following two powerful earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 that struck Venezuela on June 24, killing over 1,400 people and causing widespread destruction.
The relief mission includes an Indian Army field hospital unit, medicines, and medical equipment transported by Indian Air Force C-17 aircraft. According to officials, the deployment consists of 41 personnel, including medical officers, equipped to provide emergency care, trauma management, and surgical support.
The assistance package also includes approximately 35 tonnes of relief material and specialized medical systems such as BHISHM cubes under India’s Aarogya Maitri Project.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said India’s support aims to strengthen ongoing relief efforts in Venezuela, while the Indian Embassy in Côte d’Ivoire confirmed that the supplies and personnel were airlifted via Abidjan en route to the affected region.
Officials said the mission reflects India’s continued commitment to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations for partner countries in times of crisis.
With inputs from IANS