India's First Helicopter Ambulance Service Launched by PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated India's first helicopter ambulance service, enhancing emergency healthcare access through AIIMS Rishikesh. Various projects amounting to Rs 12,850 crore aimed at improving healthcare infrastructure nationwide were also launched. Uttarakhand's remote areas will benefit significantly, with drones bolstering medicine delivery and blood sample collection.

In a landmark development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched India's inaugural helicopter ambulance service on Dhanvantari Jayanti at AIIMS Rishikesh, enhancing the country's emergency medical response capabilities. The ceremony also saw the unveiling of a series of health sector projects worth Rs 12,850 crore, reflecting a robust commitment to bolstering national healthcare infrastructure.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami highlighted the transformative impact of the heli ambulance service, underscoring its role as a crucial lifeline in inaccessible regions. Expressing gratitude to PM Modi, Health Minister JP Nadda, and Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu, he confirmed that the service, akin to the 108 ambulances, will be free and operational from AIIMS Rishikesh, profoundly aiding residents of remote locales.

Notably, drones will augment healthcare delivery by facilitating swift medicine distribution and blood sample transport. The state government aims to establish medical colleges across districts, with efforts underway to expand AIIMS Rishikesh's satellite centers. Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu applauded the initiative, emphasizing broader aspirations to expand air services and enhance Uttarakhand's connectivity, both domestically and internationally.

(With inputs from agencies.)