Hyderabad:
Health Minister T Harish Rao inaugurated the new Emergency Response Center (ERC) 108, 104, 102 at the IIHFW office in Vengalrao Nagar in the city on Sunday.
Health Minister Harish Rao emphasized the state’s dedication to enhancing healthcare services through transformative reforms. The ERC plays a pivotal role in this journey, streamlining and optimizing emergency medical services for the citizens of Telangana. The ERC operates as a centralized call center, effectively combining the functions of various health helplines, namely 108, 102, and 104. Minister Harish Rao highlighted the key objectives and features of the ERC.
The installation of GPS devices in vehicles enables real-time monitoring and management. Advanced software displays nearby ambulances on the computer screen upon receiving a call, enabling swift response and coordination. Comprehensive call management, performance monitoring, and robust reporting mechanisms are in place. Round-the-clock transport healthcare and treatment for patients in emergencies are provided seamlessly. Timely and efficient patient transportation to hospitals is supported by the prompt response of the 108 services. The 102 helpline offers Amma Odi services specifically for pregnant women and infants. The 104 helpline provides medical information, advice, and suggestions.
The 108 Vehicle Services have reached 1.03 crore individuals across the state. CM KCR’s visionary approach led to the introduction of 102 Amma Odi vehicles for pregnant women. Additionally, ‘Harse’ vehicles were launched to transport deceased individuals. Currently, there are 776 operational vehicles of these types, and recently, CM KCR inaugurated an additional fleet of 466 vehicles, including 204 ambulances, 228 Amma Odi vehicles, and 34 Harse vehicles. The 108 Ambulances, totaling 426, provide emergency services to an average of 1,456 people daily, with a total of 44.57 lakh people receiving assistance to date.
Telangana’s dedication to meeting international healthcare standards is evident in the deployment of one ambulance for every 75,000 people, surpassing the World Health Organization’s recommendation of one ambulance per lakh population. The integration of technology has further reduced the response time to an average of 15 minutes for arriving ambulances, enhancing the efficiency of emergency services.
