New Delhi, Apr 1 (IANS): Indian Navy has transported samples of suspect cases for COVID-19 testing from Goa to Pune, the force said on Wednesday.

A Dornier aircraft of the Indian Navy carrying 38 samples for COVID-19 testing took off from INS Hansa to Pune on March 31. The samples were carried by an official from the Goa state Health Department.

The air transportation was arranged following a request by the Secretary (Health) to the Flag Officer Commanding of Goa Area.

Earlier on March 25, an Indian Navy aircraft transported a Goa state medical team to Pune to undergo training to set up COVID- 19 testing facility.

"A Dornier aircraft of Indian Navy, with a team of four doctors from Goa state Health Department took off from INS Hansa to Pune on March 25," Indian Navy had stated.

The medical team led by Savio Rodrigues, HOD, Microbiology, Goa Medical College, will undergo training to set up a COVID test facility at Goa, it had said.

A request to the Navy for providing air transport was received by Flag Officer Commanding, Goa Area, during the late hours of March 24. Navy had initiated necessary procedures and the aircraft took off in the morning.