India’s inaugural Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) is poised to launch in Uttarakhand, marking a significant advancement in the state’s emergency medical infrastructure. The HEMS, operating under the project name ‘Sanjeevani,’ will be stationed at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in Rishikesh, strategically positioned to swiftly respond to medical emergencies within a 150 km radius.
Union Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia announced this groundbreaking initiative, highlighting its critical role in providing timely medical assistance to remote and inaccessible areas. The HEMS will be equipped to airlift patients in need of urgent medical attention to the hospital, significantly reducing response times and potentially saving lives.
Scindia emphasized that the helicopter designated for this service is currently undergoing assembly and certification processes. The total expenses for this project are estimated to be significant, covering the cost of the helicopter, operational infrastructure, training, and ongoing maintenance. However, the exact budget allocation and breakdown of expenses have not been disclosed.
The announcement of the HEMS launch follows the recent virtual inauguration of the second phase of the terminal building at Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. This newly constructed terminal, built at a cost of ₹486 crore, is designed to accommodate a large number of passengers during peak hours, significantly enhancing the airport’s capacity to serve approximately 4.7 million passengers annually.
Moreover, the government’s commitment to enhancing air connectivity in Uttarakhand is evident through its ongoing efforts to upgrade airports across the state. Dehradun, Pant Nagar, and Pithoragarh are among the airports slated for upgrades, aiming to improve accessibility and infrastructure in these key regions.
Furthermore, the Uttarakhand cabinet’s approval of the Uttarakhand Helipad and Heliport Policy 2023 underscores the state government’s proactive approach to addressing challenges in accessing remote areas, particularly in hilly regions. The policy, proposed by the Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA), aims to streamline emergency medical and disaster-related services by establishing helipads and heliports in strategic locations.
Overall, these initiatives signify a significant step forward in enhancing emergency medical services and air connectivity in Uttarakhand, demonstrating the government’s commitment to improving the quality of life and safety of its residents.The comprehensive approach to improving emergency medical services and air connectivity in Uttarakhand underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing public health and safety infrastructure. The investment in HEMS and airport upgrades reflects a forward-thinking strategy to address the unique geographical challenges of the region. By prioritizing efficient and effective emergency response mechanisms, the government is not only ensuring better healthcare access for residents but also bolstering the state’s overall disaster preparedness. The integration of modern medical transportation services like HEMS with existing healthcare infrastructure is a testament to Uttarakhand’s commitment to providing world-class healthcare services to its citizens.