KATHMANDU: The Nepal Army (NA) and the US Army launched a joint medical evacuation training exercise in Kathmandu on Monday.

NA Brigadier General (Technical and Clinical Registrar) Dr. Rajiv Raj Shahi inaugurated the Medical Evacuation Information Exchange (MEEA) program with the participation of U.S. Army and Army personnel Nepalese at Birendra Hospital and Mahabir (Ranger) Battalion in Chhauni, Kathmandu.

Dr. Shahi, who is also the Technical Assistant for the Training Exercises, welcomed the training participants and briefed them on the Medical Evacuation Training Exercise.

The training exercise aims to improve the process of rescuing servicemen injured in various army operations or disasters and providing them with rapid medical support.

The ability to respond quickly to a medical emergency is paramount to any Army operation and one of the key capabilities is the ability of military personnel to successfully maneuver to a patient and provide rapid medical evacuation.

A total of 60 soldiers (18 from the US Army and 42 from the NA) are taking part in the joint exercises which will last until Friday.

According to the NA, the two countries’ military would exchange information on their medical evacuation plans, medical response equipment and communications equipment throughout the training exercise.

According to NA’s Public Relations and Information Department, there is also a plan to perform a live airborne medevac demonstration by performing tabletop drills.

According to the leadership, the joint exercises will enhance the capability of the Nepalese and US armies while providing quick and easy medical care in the future and will also deepen the friendly relations between the military personnel of the two countries.