Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil on Saturday visited the field hospital established by India under Operation Amistad and praised the medical services being provided there, describing it as a “moving demonstration of solidarity” during the country’s ongoing earthquake relief efforts.
In a press statement after the visit, Gil, accompanied by India’s Ambassador to Venezuela, P.K. Ashok Babu, thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for extending support to Venezuela and said the hospital reflected the strong ties between the two countries.
“We want to inform you that we have toured this field hospital. A field hospital that has been set up by the Government of India, a friendly government, a brotherly government. Ashok Babu, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of India to Venezuela, is with us here, along with the commander who has been in charge of operations here, and colleague Julio Leon, President of the National Hippodrome Institute, whose facilities are providing support for the installation of this hospital,” he said.
Gil said Indian medical experts were treating more than 400 people every day and providing a wide range of healthcare services to those affected by the June 24 earthquake.
“We have seen that 400 people a day are being assisted in various matters. We are going to see in the videos people who have suffered injuries, fractures and hematomas during the earthquakes. We have also seen people receiving dental care, X-ray services and minor surgeries. We have even seen care being provided to rescuers who were injured while carrying out rescue operations for their compatriots. In other words, we have witnessed comprehensive care, Ambassador,” he said.
Referring to Venezuelan Acting President Delcy Rodriguez’s recent visit to India, Gil said India’s assistance was a reflection of the friendship between the two nations.
“I would like to thank the Government of India and its Prime Minister Modi. We recently visited India, and here is a sample of brotherhood. This is the brotherhood of peoples, serving the Venezuelan people and standing with us in this moment of grief. I repeat, more than 400 people are treated daily at this field hospital, primarily those affected by the seismic events of June 24,” he said.
Expressing gratitude on behalf of Venezuela, Gil praised the Indian medical teams for working round the clock.
“We have no words to thank you, Ambassador. Please convey to the Government of India, on behalf of Acting President Delcy Rodriguez, all our love and gratitude. Our appreciation also goes to the Indian Armed Forces personnel, the doctors, nurses and paramedics who have been working tirelessly 24 hours a day at this hospital. Thanks also to the National Hippodrome Institute, which has been providing all the logistical support for its installation,” he said.
Gil also assured Venezuelans that the government was continuing relief operations under the leadership of Acting President Delcy Rodriguez.
“And well, the people of Venezuela are united. Venezuela is not alone, with President Delcy at the helm coordinating all these operations, the Bolivarian government. Thank you again,” he said.
Meanwhile, Director-General of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said last week’s earthquake in Venezuela had left more than 2,300 people dead, over 5,000 injured and nearly 16,000 homeless.
In a post on X, Tedros said, “Last week’s earthquake in Venezuela has left more than 2,300 people dead, over 5,000 injured and nearly 16,000 homeless. As search and rescue operations transition into the recovery phase, the death toll is expected to rise. WHO is coordinating Emergency Medical Teams on the ground to provide trauma care and support the national health system in maintaining essential health services. We have delivered more than six metric tons of emergency medical supplies, with another 28 metric tons on the way. We have also released USD 1.5 million from the Contingency Fund for Emergencies. This disaster compounds an already severe humanitarian crisis, placing even greater strain on the health system.”
(ANI)
