PM Modi inaugurates AIIMS Rishikesh Heli Ambulance service
By Our Staff Reporter
Rishikesh, 29 Oct: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on the occasion of Dhanteras, today, launched the country’s first Heli Ambulance service to function from AIIMS Rishikesh. The main ceremony was held at the All India Institute of Ayurveda, Delhi, where Prime Minister Modi launched, inaugurated, and laid the foundation stones of various health sector projects totalling an amount of Rs 12,850 crores for the entire country. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami participated in the programme on a virtual basis from AIIMS Rishikesh.
In his address on the occasion, CM Dhami said that the start of the Heli Ambulance service in AIIMS Rishikesh will modernise and strengthen the state’s health services. The Heli Ambulance will act as a lifesaver for people in times of crisis. He added that, on many occasions, where it is not possible to reach by road, the Heli Ambulance can easily reach such places and help the people in need. The CM also expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Health Minister JP Nadda, and Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu for providing Heli Ambulance and drone facilities to Uttarakhand.
Dhami observed that the state was waiting for this service since a long time, and now the country’s first government Heli Ambulance is starting from AIIMS Rishikesh. He shared that this service will run on the lines of the 108 ambulance service, through which patients can be brought to AIIMS from every corner of the state. This service will be available free of cost. He mentioned that in a state with difficult geographical conditions, there are often challenges in bringing patients to a big hospital on time. For dealing with such situations, the Heli Ambulance equipped with all life-saving facilities will work as a lifesaver for patients in remote areas. The CM also shared that, soon, a toll-free number for this service will be issued, which will be linked to the District Disaster Management Control of all 13 districts. In case of any disaster, a heli ambulance will be provided immediately on the recommendation of the District Disaster Management Office. Similarly, the use of drones will also help in bringing blood samples and delivering medicines from far-flung areas. The CM also noted that, during the trial, medicines were delivered from AIIMS Rishikesh to Tehri in just 30 minutes.
Dhami asserted that under the able leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is moving towards becoming a developed nation by 2047. Innovations are taking place in all areas of the country today, and the country has drawn a new line in front of the world in terms of digital payments. He mentioned that only seven AIIMS were opened in the first 70 years of independence, but now under the leadership of the Prime Minister, the number of AIIMS has tripled. Similarly, Ayushman Yojana is also a gift from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The people of the state are also benefiting from this service. He noted that at the time of starting the scheme in Uttarakhand, it was estimated to cost 40 to 50 crore rupees, but now it is costing one thousand crore rupees. By providing additional benefits to people above 70 years of age, six lakh elderly people of Uttarakhand will benefit.
The CM said that the state government is working towards opening a medical college in every district. Work is also progressing rapidly on the satellite centre of AIIMS Rishikesh in Kichha. The state government is currently providing the facility of 207 types of free pathology tests, and the government is not going to stop there. The CM mentioned that the Union Civil Aviation Ministry is also cooperating in increasing air traffic facilities in Uttarakhand. The Union Minister has assured full cooperation in the expansion of Jolly Grant, Pantnagar Airport, as well as the RCS scheme.
On this occasion, Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu said that the use of the Heli Ambulance will prove very useful for the hill state of Uttarakhand. Similarly, AIIMS services can also be delivered to every home through drones. He said that the central government is trying to expand air services in Uttarakhand so that travellers from the country and abroad can come to Uttarakhand and experience its power. Uttarakhand has developed rapidly in the last 10 years.
Former CM and Haridwar MP Trivendra Singh Rawat, Finance Minister Prem Chand Aggarwal, Health Minister Dr Dhan Singh Rawat, and AIIMS Director Prof Dr Meenu Singh were also present on this occasion.
