Critical COVID-19 Patient from Pakistani Dam Project Airlifted to China with TKP’s Full Medical Escort

When a Chinese worker at Pakistan’s Diamer-Bhasha Dam site became critically ill from COVID-19, TKP Medical Assistance was urgently tasked with bringing him home. Defying logistical and epidemiological challenges, TKP successfully executed a long-distance air medical evacuation to Chengdu, China — ensuring safe repatriation and continued treatment.

TKP medical evacuation team arrives at the construction site in Pakistan to initiate the high-risk COVID-19 patient transfer mission

A National Project, A Global Crisis

The Diamer-Bhasha Dam, dubbed one of the largest hydropower projects in human history, has been under construction in northern Pakistan with full Chinese engineering support. In 2021, amid the global COVID-19 crisis, a frontline Chinese worker involved in the project contracted the virus and progressed into critical condition despite receiving the best care locally. As his condition deteriorated, China Power Construction Group urgently requested assistance from TKP to repatriate the worker to Chengdu for advanced care.

TKP medical experts consult with local healthcare professionals to assess the patient’s condition and finalize evacuation protocols

A Race Against Time Across Borders

TKP’s medical coordination team immediately engaged with healthcare personnel in Pakistan to assess the patient’s status. Given the severity of his illness and high risk of deterioration, TKP proposed and mobilized a dedicated medical charter flight, specially equipped for airborne infection isolation and critical care. With strict adherence to China’s then Category A pandemic protocols, all medical crew were fully protected in bio-isolation suits, with negative pressure transport systems prepared for safe boarding, inflight care, and disembarkation.

Local medical personnel assist in transferring the critically ill worker to the airport, marking the beginning of a cross-border life-saving journey

Successful Mission with Zero Contamination

After a 5-hour direct flight, the patient was safely transferred from the aircraft at Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport to a designated public health medical center via negative pressure ambulance. TKP’s mission was completed with full infection containment — no exposure or contamination occurred throughout the process. All escorting staff underwent 14 days of post-mission medical quarantine and were cleared safely afterward. The operation underscored TKP’s commitment to protecting lives, no matter the borders or burdens.

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