India’s humanitarian relief mission, Operation Amistad, has earned widespread appreciation in Venezuela for the professionalism and quality of medical services being provided by the Indian Army’s field hospital following the devastating twin earthquakes that struck the South American nation last month.
The Government of India launched Operation Amistad after powerful earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude hit Venezuela on June 24, leaving more than 2,295 people dead, over 11,000 injured, and causing extensive destruction across the country. The disaster also damaged or destroyed an estimated 60,000 buildings, while around 13,000 people were rendered homeless.
Humanitarian assistance dispatched by India reached Venezuela on June 28, including a specialised Indian Army medical contingent, a fully equipped field hospital, medicines, medical equipment and relief supplies aimed at supporting ongoing rescue and rehabilitation efforts.
In a post on X, the Indian Embassy in Venezuela said, “Operation Amistad – India’s humanitarian relief effort in Venezuela has received widespread acclaim from the public for its professionalism and quality of service.”
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also shared a report by Venezuelan broadcaster TeleSUR, highlighting the inauguration of India’s field hospital in Caracas and the positive response it has received from local authorities and citizens.
The field hospital, established in the La Rinconada area of Caracas, has been treating earthquake victims requiring emergency medical care and trauma services.
Speaking to TeleSUR, Maitrey Kulkarni, Director of Operation Amistad, said the mission was launched to assist the people of Venezuela during the humanitarian crisis. “This is part of Operation Friendship that we have set up to offer our services to the brothers and sisters of Venezuela. This is a field hospital with 41 doctors of various specialties, especially to provide emergency treatments that usually occur in times of these catastrophes.”
Kulkarni said the Indian medical team has considerable experience in responding to natural disasters worldwide. “This team has extensive experience. It set up the same type of hospital in Sri Lanka about six months ago after Cyclone Ditwah and earlier following the earthquake in Myanmar. In both cases, thousands of patients received treatment.”
He said the hospital provides a wide range of healthcare services, including emergency medicine, dentistry, traumatology, laboratory diagnostics, X-ray facilities and minor surgical procedures. “We have various services – from dentistry to traumatology, laboratories for different tests and an X-ray room with all necessary safety precautions. At present, we have about 20 beds installed, but the facility can be expanded to accommodate up to 50 patients.”
Kulkarni also credited the Venezuelan authorities for enabling the hospital to become operational within hours of the team’s arrival.
The medical mission has been warmly received by residents affected by the disaster.
A local resident accompanying an injured family member praised the prompt medical assistance provided by the Indian team. “We are from La Guaira state. She has a double fibula fracture and will undergo surgery tonight. The injury happened during the earthquake. We received immediate care after arriving here, and the entire service has been excellent,” he said.
The Indian field hospital continues to treat patients suffering from earthquake-related injuries while providing critical healthcare support as Venezuela works to recover from one of the country’s deadliest natural disasters in recent years.
(With agency inputs)
