Kerala to deploy dedicated paediatric ambulance for Attappadi tribal region
After a visit to Attappadi, Kerala's Health Minister announced a dedicated paediatric ambulance, more specialist doctors and expanded newborn care, PTI reports.
Kerala Health Minister K Muraleedharan announced a set of measures on 31 October to strengthen maternal and child healthcare in Attappadi, Palakkad, following recent infant deaths in the tribal region, PTI reported. One of the steps is a dedicated paediatric ambulance.
During his visit, the minister reviewed the Kottathara Tribal Speciality Hospital and held review meetings with officials and health experts at Attappadi and Agali. According to the report, additional specialists, including paediatricians, gynaecologists and anaesthesiologists, will be appointed at Kottathara above the sanctioned posts. A new hospital block with newborn care facilities and an emergency operation theatre is to be built with NABARD assistance.
The Kottathara hospital and Thrissur Medical College Hospital will be linked in a hub-and-spoke model so paediatricians can coordinate care. The proposed measures also include expanded neonatal care, more field-level health workers and a mobile medical unit for remote settlements. The minister said getting doctors to serve in the region remained a challenge.
Why it matters for ambulance owners and drivers
- Specialised, purpose-equipped ambulances for remote regions are part of the state's plan.
- Transfers between a tribal hospital and a medical college hospital are likely to rely on ambulance services.
Read the full report at the source: ThePrint (PTI)
This is a summary written by the Ambulance Owner Association. The facts are from the source named above.