Itanagar: The Arunachal Pradesh civil aviation department, in coordination with Indian Air Force (IAF), airlifted two critically injured patients from Mechuka in Shi-Yomi district to Mohanbari in Assam’s Dibrugarh on Tuesday.The emergency airlift was initiated after Mechuka circle officer Ritu Tawe made an urgent request for evacuation, citing the life-threatening condition of two locals, Yajap Pujor Jibng (40) and Chapi Pudur (45), civil aviation secretary Mamata Riba said on Wednesday.Amid challenging weather conditions over Tato and as daylight waned, IAF dispatched a helicopter that landed at Mechuka around 2:50 pm. The aircraft flew the patients to Mohanbari, landing at approximately 4:20 pm. The patients were then shifted by ambulance to a hospital in Dibrugarh for specialised treatment.A synchronised mid-route transfer was carried out at the Aalo helipad to maintain continuity of care. Aalo additional deputy commissioner Mabi Taipodia Jini, West Siang district medical officer Dr Linya Lollen, and Aalo zonal general hospital medical superintendent Dr Karken Rina coordinated medical assistance during the transfer between aircraft.Commending the multi-agency response, Riba said, “The successful evacuation was the result of a concerted team effort involving the Civil Aviation department, Air Headquarters, Eastern Air Command (IAF) Shillong, the district administrations at Mechuka and Aalo, medical teams, and the Mohanbari additional resident commissioner. Despite short notice and adverse weather, the IAF prioritized human life and acted promptly,” adding that she was grateful to the ministry of defence and the Air Force.
