Bike ambulances hit the road today

 The Mukhyamantri Santwana Yojane under which financial aid will be provided to accident victims during the first 48 hours will be launched next week, said Health Minister U T Khader.

He spoke after addressing a press meet in the City on Tuesday, to announce the launch of the bike ambulance on Wednesday at Vidhana Soudha.

The Mukhyamantri Santwana Yojane was started with an intention to ensure that no patient is denied treatment. Under the scheme up to Rs 25,000 compensation can be availed by people from all economic backgrounds. After 48 hours, the patient's family will have the choice to either continue treatment at the same hospital or shift the patient elsewhere.

21 ambulances in B’luru

To begin with, as many as 30 Avenger 220CC bikes, modified into two-wheeler ambulances will hit the road in the State.

About 21 of these will be deployed in parts of Bengaluru where a maximum number of accident cases are reported.

“We have identified certain areas where the number of accidents is high. These bikes will be made available at such locations,” Khader said. Mysuru, Mangaluru, Kalaburagi, Belagavi, Huballi-Dharwad, Davangere, Tumakuru, Vijayapura and Shivamogga districts will have one bike ambulance each.

“We have 40 trained paramedics who are also good at riding bikes, who will be entrusted the task of attending to patients. The service will be managed by the GVK EMRI which presently runs the 108 four-wheeler ambulance service,” Khader said.

“In metropolitan cities, it is not a viable option to have a separate path designed for ambulance. Thus, we decided to have bike ambulance to attend to emergency cases. Nearly 50-per cent of the accident cases ought to be treated on the spot. About 10-15 per cent need early intervention and those will be attended on priority basis,” he said.

 A list of 52 drugs will be packed in the of Rear Top Box of the bike. A Portable Oxygen Cylinder, Glucometer, LED torch, Finger tip pulse Oximeter, Nebulizer, Digital BP Apparatus, Laryngoscope, Ambu bags Adult, Ambu bags Paediatric, masks, Roller bandage gauge and cotton rolls are among the medical equipment that the bikes will carry. He also said that further improvisation will be made to suit the modern day needs.
Madilu kits

When asked about the out-of-stock Madilu kits, the minster said that there were glitches and that it was addressed. Director of the Department of Health and Family Welfare, H C Ramesh said that the kits were already dispatched to Vanivilas Hospital and will be available soon.