The Hindu Business Line : Kalam calls for nationwide emergency medicare service

Hyderabad, Aug. 15 Mr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, former President, has called for establishing a nationwide emergency medical service on the lines of ‘108’ service in Andhra Pradesh to save one million lives.

EMRI (Emergency Management and Research Institute) is a public-private initiative with the State Government contributing 95 per cent of funding and promoters of Satyam Computer the remaining five per cent.

“The national service, however, should not be a centralised one. It should be decentralised with each State having its own service,” he said.

Launching the logo of ‘Rajiv Arogya Sri’ and dedicating 108 to the people in the State, a combination of 108, 104 (free medical counselling over phone) and health insurance schemes, here on Wednesday, Mr Kalam asked public and private companies, doctors and citizens to contribute.

The EMRI, which had been offering emergency services to a few urban areas till recently, had extended its cover to the entire State.

On an average it received one call every five seconds. So far, it has saved 14,000 lives and attended 3.50 lakh emergencies, said Mr Venkat Changavalli, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), EMRI.

Quality medicare

Dr Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, the Chief Minister, said the Government was bringing 108, 104 and the health insurance scheme under the Rajiv Arogya Sri umbrella that sought to provide ‘quality medicare to all’.

online appointments

The 104 service, yet another public-private initiative, would be run by HMRI (Health Management and Research Institute). Besides offering advice and counselling on various issues related to health, it would facilitate online appointments with doctors, if need be.

The Government would synergise the ‘100’ service, which was run by the police to attend emergencies, with 108.

Mr B. Ramalinga Raju, CEO, Satyam, said the 104 service was aimed at providing the poor with timely advice on health related issues over the phone.

More Stories on : Health | Andhra Pradesh

Article E-Mail :: Comment :: Syndication :: Printer Friendly Page