In the heart of Madrid, the renowned Institución Ferial de Madrid (IFEMA) has undergone a remarkable transformation. Once bustling with international exhibitions and events, the expansive convention center now stands as Spain’s largest makeshift field hospital, a frontline fortress in the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic.
Captain Izard, a dedicated officer from the sappers of the paratrooper brigade, leads a team of around 40 personnel tirelessly working from dawn to dusk. Their mission: to convert the vast exhibition halls into fully operational medical facilities capable of accommodating the surging number of patients afflicted by the coronavirus.
“It’s a challenging task,” admits Captain Izard. “But with hospitals across Madrid under immense strain, we are committed to setting up beds, outfitting facilities, and ensuring logistics are in place swiftly and efficiently.”
Two of IFEMA’s exhibition halls are already filled with patients receiving critical care, and a third is in the process of refurbishment. The sense of urgency is palpable as the team races against time to expand capacity and provide much-needed relief to overwhelmed healthcare systems.
Despite the hardships, hope remains a steadfast companion. Captain Izard expresses a heartfelt wish: “I look forward to the day this crisis ends. When that time comes, I’d like to visit my family in Seville.”
The story of IFEMA’s transformation is a testament to resilience and solidarity in the face of unprecedented challenges. As nations worldwide grapple with the pandemic, such efforts highlight the collective endeavor to safeguard communities and restore normalcy.
Reference(s):
Story of Fighting COVID-19: From expo hall to field hospital in Madrid
cgtn.com
