Chief Mnister Raghubar Das today termed the 108 Ambulance service and MSBY as revolutionary steps in providing health facilities in the State. He asked officials to immediately implement the schemes across the State and ensure that no deaths take place in the absence of money for medical treatment.
Holding a review meeting of the two health schemes launched by President Ram Nath Kovind on the occasion of State’s 17th Foundation Day, Das said that reducing death rate and providing treatment to all is the State government’s priority. During the meeting with Health Minister Ramchandra Chandravanshi, the CM discussed health concerns in details. He said that every individual’s life is precious and the government wants the health schemes and benefits reach to each marginalized person in the remotest corner of the State. Areas populated with scheduled tribes and scheduled casts’ need health schemes the most. They are in the government’s priority list and the government machinery is working on mission mode to implement the schemes.
The CM said on the occasion that that infant mortality rate in the State has gone down and soon death rate will be reduced. He asked to give night shift allowance to doctors and nurses and stressed on setting up of professional working environment for better output.
Das said that 108 Ambulance Service will be renamed as Emergency Medical Service so that the people can identify it easily. Remote and marginalized areas where downtrodden people live are going to have these facilities first. In the first phase, the ambulance facility will start in Simdega, Gumla, lohardaga, Pakur, Khunti, Sahebganj, Palamu and Garhwa in December. Areas with dense population will have more number of ambulances.
These ambulances will be monitored by GPS and also connected with police and fire brigade to maintain a co-ordination among the three which will eventually reduce loss due to accident, fire or crime.
Ambulances will also have facility to promote institutional delivery. Mamta vans will start smooth functioning soon. The State government will pay for the remaining funds needed to run Mamta Vahans if Central funds are utilised.
Das said that people who will call 108 for emergency help, especially in case of accident will not have to face any police proceeding. Currently 2000 people are working and if needed, more workers will be recruited. He said that 329 ambulances will start before March.
Block and district coordinators are made responsible for making CM Health Insurance Card and the CM has instructed officials to distribute them in camps before December 28. All government hospitals will be in list of beneficiaries.
Health Department Additional Chief Secretary Sudhir Tripathy said that there are 108 free ambulances in service and 289 out of 329 will have basic life support facility. At the same time, 40 will have advance life support system. Ambulance facility will work round the clock and generate employment for 2000 people.
Health Minister Ramchandra Chandravanshi, Chief Secretary Rajbala Verma, Additional Chief Secretary Amit Khare, Principal Secretary to the CM Sanjay Kumar and other senior officers were present in the meeting.