Bengaluru: In a major humanitarian operation, the Indian Army contingent deployed under Op Sagar Bandhu has established and is operating a fully functional multi-specialty field hospital in one of Sri Lanka’s worst flood-affected regions, providing life-saving medical care to more than 5,000 citizens within days.
The operation reflects India’s Neighbourhood First commitment, combining military capability with humanitarian compassion.
18-Hour Journey Through Washed-Out Terrain to Reach Disaster Zone
After landing in Colombo, the contingent undertook an 18-hour-long movement to the disaster zone, navigating destroyed roads, widespread flooding and communication breakdowns. When they arrived, only an empty parking lot was available for setting up the hospital — with no stable electricity, unreliable water supply and severely damaged communication networks.
Despite these challenges, Army engineers and medical teams rapidly converted the barren space into a fully operational medical facility.
Hospital Built Overnight Using Innovation, Coordination and Technology
Working through the night and coordinating continuously with Sri Lankan officials, the contingent:
- Installed portable generator systems ensuring uninterrupted power for surgeries and critical care
- Secured regular water supply through coordination with district authorities
- Established a communication centre linking the facility with India, logistics bases and local agencies
- Restored damaged connectivity by repairing an optical fibre cable supporting a major mobile tower
- Employed surveillance drones to conduct aerial surveys and optimise hospital layout
- Set up HVAC-equipped medical tents to create a sterile Operation Theatre environment
- Implemented fast-track diagnostic systems to speed up blood and sample movement
This enabled the hospital to become fully functional in record time, despite the hostile environment.
A Multi-Specialty Hub: Surgery, Orthopaedics, Diagnostics and More
The field hospital now provides:
- A fully operational Operation Theatre
- X-ray and laboratory services
- Dental care
- Multi-specialty OPDs covering surgery, orthopaedics, family medicine and emergency care
The contingent has already treated over 5,000 patients, delivering not only medical assistance but psychological comfort to families devastated by the floods.
85-Member Task Force Serving Round-the-Clock
The Indian Army Medical Task Force, comprising 85 personnel — specialist doctors, surgeons, nurses, engineers, signalers and logistics staff — is working 24×7 alongside Sri Lankan authorities, NGOs and local volunteers. Beyond medical relief, the team is also supplying potable water using portable purification systems and offering additional humanitarian support wherever required.
India’s Humanitarian Leadership Reaffirmed
Through professionalism, innovation and deep empathy, the Indian Army has become a pillar of support for Sri Lanka at a critical moment.
Under Op Sagar Bandhu, India once again demonstrates that its regional partnerships are defined not only by strategic cooperation but by compassion, solidarity and timely assistance.
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