Team Herald
PANJIM/MARGAO: In a “gesture of special gratitude” to COVID-19 warriors namely the frontline healthcare workers, the Indian Navy on Sunday conducted helicopter flypasts over the Goa Medical College and Hospital, Bambolim and ESI COVID Hospital, at Margao.
Flower petals were showered by Navy’s Chetak Helicopters on the hospitals as an expression of gratitude to the doctors, nurses, paramedical and other staff who are fighting the COVID-19 pandemic.
“A heart warming gesture by our Armed Forces. The Indian Navy honouring the corona warriors in State by having a flypast over GMC and COVID Hospital, Margao. Salute to Indian Armed Forces and our corona warriors,” said Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant in his message.
On Friday, Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat along with all Three Service heads, had announced the “gesture of special gratitude,” which would consist of the Air Force conducting flypasts across the length and breadth of the country.
“Another “gesture of special gratitude” will be helicopters showering petals on hospitals and Army bands playing outside medical buildings in most districts,” he said.
This is the third major display of gratitude to health workers, following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s request to the Indians to clap for the COVID-19 warriors from their balconies, followed by people switching off their lights and lighting candles and diyas on the Prime Minister’s request.
The senior doctors have reiterated their commitment towards the people and have urged people not to worry but at the same time take all the precautions to defeat the virus spread.
“Goans you’ll are safe, we safe just two weeks away and we request you to visit the hospital if you have any symptoms of the infection,” said the doctors.
Some doctors while appreciating the flower petals shower said that they needed Personal protective equipment (PPE) and masks to protect themselves from the virus.
