Bengaluru: The Indian Air Force (IAF) has established a 100-bedded Covid treatment facility at Air Force Station, Jalahalli, in the outskirts of the city in an attempt to provide succour to the general public of Bengaluru, reeling under second wave of COVID-19 pandemic.

The Centre with the first 20 beds will be operational from Thursday (May 6) with oxygen concentrators only. Once oxygen availability is ensured by the State Government, the remaining 80 beds are expected to be operational by May 20. Of the total 100 beds, there will be 10 ICU beds and 40 beds with piped oxygen. Balance 50 beds will have oxygen concentrators, according to a release from Defence wing on Tuesday.

The facility will be manned by Specialists, Doctors, Nurses and Paramedical staff provided by the Command Hospital Air Force, Bengaluru. Admission to the facility will be coordinated by BBMP and Government of Karnataka through a Nodal Officer. The State Government has assured necessary support for Pharmacy, Oxygen and Security.

Indian Air Force has already been in the forefront of ensuring oxygen and medical supplies from abroad and within India. For this, the Air Force Transport fleet has been deployed on round-the-clock operations.