SRINAGAR, JULY 27: Governor N.N. Vohra launched a new Ambulance Service at Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre SKICC here today. Choudhary Lal Singh, Minister for Health & Medical Education, was present on the occasion. These ambulances have been donated by “Sarhad” a Pune based NGO and an educational organization, “Sakal Media Group” of Maharashtra. The Ambulance Service will be run by the “H.N Wanchoo Trust” in association with the State Health Department.

          Speaking on the occasion, the Governor observed that a well coordinated approach is required to fill the gaps in our medical emergency services. He said that our ambulance facilities suffer on the account of uncertain operational reliability, inadequate resuscitation equipments and non availability of the optimum number of adequately trained and experienced medical and para medical staff to man the ambulances. The Governor advised the preparation of a standing drill, which is relevant for application from the village to the city level, and made known to all the government medical centres and public at large. He said that total coordination is imperative for enabling a sick person to be safely transported to the nearest medical care facility.

          The Governor also suggested to the Health Minister to dovetail the region wise Ambulance Services Plan with the requirement of providing immediate help to accident cases on the Jammu-Srinagar Highway by entering into the required collaborative arrangements with the National Highway Authority of India, so that any unfortunate happening could be dealt with promptly. He also urged the Health Minister to take into account all the Ambulances available with the Indian Red Cross Society (J&K) so that these assets are optimally utilized.

          The Governor complimented Sarhad Pune, Sakal Media Group and H.N Wanchoo Trust for the noble initiative taken by them to promote the humanitarian cause.Ch. Lal Singh, on the occasion, reiterated the commitment of his Department in providing the best health care facilities to the people of the State. Among those present were, Dr. Farooq Ahmad Lone, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar; Dr. Sameer Matoo, Director Health Services, Kashmir; doctors, and large number of prominent citizens.