Jai Ram govt’s air ambulance plan runs into rough weather
SHIMLA : Himachal Pradesh government’s plan to introduce air ambulance service to snowbound and remote regions of the state hit a snag after the ministry of civil aviation denied permission to use single-engine choppers for operating the service.
“We had sought permission for starting air ambulance service to tribal areas, but the ministry has denied permission to operate single-engine chopper,” said health and family welfare minister Bipin Singh Parmar.
The Swiss company, engaged by the government for the project, had opted to use single turbine chopper for air ambulance service, but the state government has not got a nod for the same. “Only MI-17 twin turbine transport choppers can fly in high-altitude regions during air turbulence,” said a government official who requested anonymity
THE PROJECT
The need for heli-ambulance services was felt as flights to remote regions of the state are not regular as it becomes difficult for the chopper to fly across the Rohtang Pass due to air turbulence .
Earlier this year in April, chief minister Jai Ram-headed cabinet had gave permission to start the heli-ambulance service for inaccessible and snow-bound regions. The government also signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Helimission Foundation, Switzerland, and Manali’s Lady Wellington Hospital.
The Swiss company had agreed to provide cost-free air ambulance service to remote areas of the state, particularly district Lahaul and Spiti which loses road connectivity due to snowfall at the 13,050-ft high Rohtang pass. The state government had agreed to provide necessary infrastructure facilities, including space for accommodation for those manning the service.
“The government has received complaints regarding poor ambulance services in the state. I have taken up the mater with the management,” Parmar said.
The government also directed service providers to purchase 46 new vehicles in the state. It had accorded MOU in 2010 for running emergency services across the state. MOU was signed for eight years, but the Congress further extended it till 2022.