[3:05 PM, 2/2/2018] Army PRO: Nine year old Taufik , who lives in Gurez, suffered acute pain as a result of appendicitis on 31 January night. Due to non - availability of adequate medical care in the area , he had to be evacuated to Srinagar for treatment. Message for evacuation was received at the Air Force Station , Srinagar at night . Crew along with helicopter was put on standby. However, Bad weather at Gurez prevented the helicopter from getting airborne next morning. The helicopter was then put on another assignment. On the way back from this assignment the crew of the helicopter received a message that the weather at Gurez had improved to ‘marginal’. The helicopter was diverted to the landing site. After a successful landing ,Taufik and his father were picked up despite continuous snowfall and low clouds and evacuated to Srinagar.
Prompt action by IAF and its highly motivated crew saved a young life. Taufik is now recuperating at a medical facility in Srinagar.