Khader Says Many firms evince interest in Operating Air ambulance

Three firms run by non-resident Indians, who are from Karnataka, have evinced interest in operating Air Ambulance, said Health and Family Welfare Minister U.T. Khader.

Talking to reporters here on Tuesday, Mr. Khader said that with Air Ambulances the State government proposes to make use of helicopters for persons in need of urgent medical treatment.

The Air Ambulance, which resembles a mini hospital, can be used not only for accident victims but also for moving organs from the donor to the recipient to whom the same needs to be transplanted in a quick time.

Mr. Khader said the department was discussing with these firms about the way this system has to be put in place. The firms have been asked to pool in funds that will act as a corpus during the three month test period when these helicopters will be in operation. “In these three months we will be studying various aspects, including the fund necessary to extend it throughout the state.”

Mr. Khader said the Department was working out as to when this service should be used. There was also requirement of various agencies, including police, to ensure zero traffic on the roads where these helicopters land. “The discussion on the air ambulance facility will take a final shape by November,” Mr. Khader said.

Bike ambulance:

Mr. Khader said Bike ambulances will be in operation in Bengaluru by the end of January. Of the 30 bike ambulances, operation of 10 vehicles will start. After seeing operation of these vehicles, the Department will introduce these service in other cities namely Mysuru, Mangaluru, Hubli and Belagavi.

Mr. Khader said his department has cleared till November, the salary of nearly 200 staff nurses and other health personnel involved in checking diabetes and heart check-up at the primary health centres in Mangaluru and Davangere. The salaries of these personnel had not been paid for the last nine months, he said.

Mr. Khader said the State Government had decided to set apart Rs. 5 crore for having three-month buffer stock of medicines for treatment of persons infected with Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This would prevent shortage of medicines when there is delay in supply of the same from the National Aids Control Organisation, he said.