Vehicle procured under MPLAD scheme handed over to 108 service
Noted cardiologist Dr Francisco Colaco flags off the cardiac care ambulance at the South Goa District Hospital, procured under the MPLAD scheme of South Goa MP Viriato Fernandes.
MARGAO
A state-of-the-art Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) ambulance — a cardiac unit on wheels aimed at saving lives during the crucial golden hour — was launched at the South Goa District Hospital on Monday under the MPLAD scheme of South Goa MP Captain Viriato Fernandes.
Estimated to cost around Rs 50 lakh, the ambulance has been handed over to the 108 ambulance service for operation and maintenance. The South Goa MP also announced that a second ambulance with similar specifications will soon be deployed at the Sub-District Hospital, Chicalim, under his MPLAD scheme to cater to the healthcare needs of people in Mormugao taluka.
The advanced cardiac ambulance was conceived over a year ago after Colmorod-Margao resident Shiridh Pai Kane lost his life in a road accident due to the unavailability of a suitable ambulance to transport him to Goa Medical College, Bambolim.
The facility was inaugurated by renowned cardiologist Dr Francisco Colaco in the presence of MP Viriato Fernandes, Quepem MLA Altone D’Costa, GPCC chief Amit Patkar, additional collector Ramesh Gaonkar, health officials and citizens.
MP Viriato Fernandes said the proposal for the ambulance came after Congress leader Savio Coutinho requested him to sanction a dedicated emergency vehicle for the South Goa District Hospital.
“I immediately approved the proposal. However, procurement took time as some equipment had to be sourced from abroad. I have been informed that the project has cost around Rs 49-50 lakh. The collector completed the tendering process and other formalities through the GeM portal,” he said.
Fernandes added that consultations were held with health officials to identify the essential facilities required in the ambulance. “Everyone stressed the need for advanced life-saving equipment capable of treating patients during the golden hour,” he said.
Stating that his focus remains on the health and education sectors, the MP said the 108 ambulance service would be responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the vehicle.
Complimenting the initiative, MLA Altone D’Costa said the ambulance was the need of the hour for South Goa and praised the MP for undertaking several development projects over the past two years.
GPCC chief Amit Patkar said the advanced life support ambulance would significantly strengthen emergency healthcare services in South Goa and help save lives during critical emergencies.
