Rishikesh: In a groundbreaking development, Uttarakhand is set to launch the country’s first Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS), marking a significant milestone in emergency healthcare. Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia made the momentous announcement through a video and statement on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday.
The HEMS initiative aims to revolutionize medical assistance in Uttarakhand’s mountainous regions, providing swift transportation for accident victims and emergency cases to hospitals via helicopter. With the deployment of a helicopter stationed at AIIMS Rishikesh, individuals within a 150-kilometer radius will receive immediate airlift to AIIMS Rishikesh or other designated medical facilities in the event of an emergency.
Minister Scindia emphasized that the Civil Aviation Ministry will oversee the operation of the Heli Medical Service, which is currently undergoing assembly and certification processes. His personal commitment ensures the expeditious implementation of this vital service, prioritizing the welfare of Uttarakhand’s residents.
Upon its launch, Uttarakhand will pioneer the nation’s helicopter emergency medical facility, cementing its status as a trailblazer in healthcare innovation. With two helipads already in place at AIIMS Rishikesh, the state’s challenging geographical terrain necessitates innovative solutions for transporting accident victims and critically ill patients from remote mountainous areas to medical centers.
The introduction of the Heli Medical Service promises to alleviate the logistical challenges inherent in emergency medical transportation, significantly enhancing the accessibility and efficiency of healthcare services across Uttarakhand’s diverse landscape.
