New Delhi, Apr 6 (IANS): Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft lifted medical supplies from West Bengal's Bagdogra to Sikkim's Gangtok on Monday for COVID-19 patients.

"The medical supplies were airlifted by Mi-17V-5, a military transport helicopter, from Bagdogra to Gangtok," the IAF said.

The force said that it continues support to contain the spread of the coronavirus across the country, as IAF has been airlifting essential medical supplies and commodities.

It said that the medical supplies are being transported to equip the state governments and supporting agencies to combat the contagion effectively and efficiently.

During the last one week, IAF airlifted essential medical supplies and commodities from nodal points to Guwahati, Dibrugarh and Mohanbari in the northeast; Prayagraj, Gorakhpur, Bareilly and Agra in the central region; and the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.

In addition, IAF airlifted critical medical supplies to Male, Maldives as 'Operation Sanjeevani' on April 2. Maldives has faced shortage of essential medical supplies as its connectivity with India – its main source of medical supplies, was broken after the COVID-19 lockdown.

"Quarantine facilities created at IAF bases across the country continue in a state of readiness," the force said.