The State government in Hyderabad will soon launch an “air ambulance” service for medical emergencies. Health Minister T Harish Rao announced this while presenting the department’s progress report. The air ambulance will transport critically ill patients to Hyderabad for better treatment, with the government covering the costs at NIMS. This service aims to save lives by reducing travel time during emergencies. The ruling party’s manifesto, led by Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao, will include this initiative.
Additionally, Health Minister Rao distributed appointment letters to 310 pharmacists who passed competitive exams. He emphasized the important role of pharmacists in ensuring the availability and proper administration of medicines, improving healthcare quality. He encouraged them to serve the public with patience. In the past nine years, the department has filled 22,600 posts, with plans to appoint an additional 7,291 positions. The minister expressed optimism that the KCR administration would provide 30,000 jobs within a decade.
Rao highlighted Telangana’s remarkable achievements in healthcare over the past decade. The state has moved from 11th to 3rd place in the NITI Aayog health index, thanks to the dedicated efforts of medical staff. Telangana has allocated a substantial budget of Rs.12,364 crore and spends Rs.3,532 per capita on medical treatment, making it the third-largest spender in the country. The state is well-prepared to handle any health emergency with 50,000 beds and a comprehensive network of healthcare facilities at various levels. There are also ongoing projects, including the Warangal Health City and the expansion of NIMS, to further enhance healthcare services.
Lastly, Health Minister Rao commended a team of NRI doctors from Britain, led by Dr. Arun, for conducting free heart surgeries for children at NIMS. The second phase of these operations will begin on Tuesday.
