Goa: Armed forces salute coronavirus health care workers

Newton Sequeira | TNN | May 3, 2020, 22:07 IST

A naval Chetak helicopter flew over Goa Medical College and Cottage Hospital, Chicalim to drop flower petals.

PANAJI: From showers of flower petals to lit-up warships, the armed forces stationed in Goa showed their appreciation to doctors and healthcare workers who are on the frontline of the fight against the novel coronavirus. In response to the call by the Ministry of defence, the Indian Navy, the Indian Army and the Indian Coast Guard did their bit on Sunday to show the nation’s gratitude.
While a naval Chetak helicopter flew over Goa Medical College and Cottage Hospital, Chicalim to drop flower petals, a coast guard Chetak helicopter flew over ESI Hospital Margao and dropped flower petals.
“Our doctors, nurses and health workers have rendered the selfless service in controlling the spread of the coronavirus,” said commanding officer of INS Hansa Commodore Hemant Padbidri.
He also said that 1500 naval men and women got together in the formation at INS Hansa to display a message thanking the coronavirus warriors.
The coast guard also showed the nation’s appreciation by illuminating at three off-shore patrol vessels at Mormugao harbour and sounding the ship’s siren and fired flares in the evening.
Aside from this, the army’s 2 Signal Training Centre provided sweets to Goa police in north Goa. Brigadier Sanjay Rawal of 2 STC handed over the sweets made by the army for the field staff of north Goa district as a sign of appreciation for the work done during the lockdown. The navy and coast guard distributed sweets at Vasco Police station and at the hospitals.
“These initiatives of the Armed forces was a gesture to thank the doctors, nurses, paramedical staff and all other health care workers for their tireless and selfless efforts during the ongoing pandemic,” said the coast guard in a statement.