TN okays emergency management services

R.Y. Narayanan

Coimbatore, May 9 The Tamil Nadu Government has approved the establishment of Emergency Management Services (EMS) in the State and for its implementation, a memorandum of understanding will be signed with Emergency Management Research Institute (EMRI), Hyderabad.

Initially, 198 ambulances under Phase II of the Tamil Nadu Health Systems Project will be placed at the disposal of EMRI for providing EMS in 14 districts, and services will be extended to other districts in a phased manner.

One of the salient features of the proposal is that the service is offered free of cost. The State Government has sanctioned Rs 36.02 crore towards the establishment of 24-hour EMS during 2008-09 that included recurring and non-recurring expenditure.

Mr V.K. Subburaj, Secretary, Health and Family Welfare, in a Government Order issued on May 5, said an "efficient emergency management service can play a crucial role in saving precious lives of pregnant women, women in labour, victims of road accidents, etc".

Already, 187 ambulances with medical equipment were purchased and supplied to 15 districts through the World Bank-aided Tamil Nadu Health Systems Project that are being operated through 146 NGOs in 15 districts since January 1, 2007.