IAF’s Nighttime Airlift From Ladakh To Delhi Helps Soldier Get Back Severed Hand Amid Small Window

In a major demonstration of their rapid response capabilities and advanced medical expertise, the Indian Army, recently evacuated an injured soldier who lost his hand, from the challenging terrains of Ladakh on April 9 and promptly ensured his successful surgery in Delhi.

The soldier, who was severely injured, was swiftly evacuated to the Military Garrison Hospital in Leh, where he was stabilised by a team of doctor and upon realising the critical need for a specialised surgery, which was not available locally, a decision to transport the soldier to the Army Hospital Research and Referral (AHRR) in Delhi was made.

After being given a window of 6 to 8 hours for an emergency surgery to save the jawan’s appendage, an IAF C-130J aircraft was launched within an hour to take him for the surgery in the national capital.

The Air Force took to their official X account and shared the incident that stands as a symbol of commitment of the forces.

Sharing a picture of the jawan post his operation on the social media platform, the Air Force said, “An #IndianArmy personnel severed his hand while operating a machine, at a unit located in the forward area. Given a window of 6 to 8 hrs for emergency surgery to save his appendage, an IAF C-130J aircraft was launched within an hour to move the Jawan for surgery at the R & R hospital in Delhi. The injured personnel received medical attention promptly due to the dark night airlift on NVGs from Ladakh sector by #IAF. A dedicated team of medical personnel carried out a successful surgery and the jawan is now on his path to recovery.”

The soldier underwent an emergency and highly complex 9-hour surgery for the reimplantation of his hand, including the amputated thumb and index finger and the surgery was successfully performed by a team of skilled army doctors.

The soldier is now stable and is under post-surgery care.