an aircraft C-105 Amazon of the Brazilian Air Force (FAB), operated by the First Squadron of the Ninth Aviation Group (1st/9th GAV) – Arara Squadron, transported 22 oxygen concentrators to Natal (RN), this Monday (70nd).
The cargo, weighing 2.130 kilos, was taken from Manaus (AM) and will be used as an alternative to cylinders, since their function is to maintain the patients' oxygen levels above 90%.
The inputs were provided by the Government of Amazonas, with the of the Ministry of Health (MS) and the Ministry of Defense (MD).
The equipment arrived at Manaus Air Base (BAMN) around 13:30 pm. Upon completion of loading, the aircraft took off at 14:10 pm (Brasília time). After approximately seven hours of flight, the C-105 Amazonas landed at Natal Air Base, in Parnamirim (RN), around 21 pm.
According to the istration and Infrastructure Coordinator of the Public Health Secretariat of Rio Grande do Norte, Francisca Zilmar de Oliveira Fernandes, the hubs will be distributed to 12 municipalities in the state, including Natal.
“In this moment of crisis that we are experiencing, mainly due to the logistical difficulty to supply the municipalities, the equipment arrives in good time”, said.
The Regional Superintendent of the Ministry of Health in Rio Grande do Norte, Midya Emily Gurgel de Souza Targino, explains that the Organization has been working to integrate entities and public authorities in an attempt to facilitate the acquisition of equipment necessary for the treatment of COVID-19.
“This action is a way for the Government of Amazonas to show gratitude to the state of Rio Grande do Norte, since we received 55 Amazonian patients in our state, who were treated and some have already returned to their homes”, he said.
Operation COVID-19
Through the Aerospace Operations Command (COMAE), which is permanently activated, the FAB fulfills the missions that aim to minimize the impacts of the new Coronavirus on the health system.
FAB Logistics Air Transport integrates the actions of Operation COVID-19, triggered by the Ministry of Defense, in cooperation with the Ministry of Health.
