Health Minister Vishwajit Rane has decided to first treat ailing 108 ambulance service in the State which was introduced by him during his earlier tenure.

The service which was known for saving hundreds of life is now in shambles which has evoked strong reaction from the minister. He has asked the management officials to be changed along with little more tweaking in the staff pattern.

Four days old Health Minister in Manohar Parrikar led cabinet has decided to also get day to day report about the ambulances. In addition, more vehicles would be purchased by May 15.

“The ambulances will be posted in such a way that all the accident hot spots would be covered. In case of any emergency, the medical help will reach to the patient in quick time,” he said.

Apparently matching with the style of working with Parrikar, Rane has also decided to inform the Chief Minister about his future plans for the department.

The minister said he would be making a brief presentation before CM Parrikar listing out the measures that are taken to fix ‘108’ ambulance service.

“I want to streamline this ambulance service. The response time has to be quicker. If they don’t attend the patient within 15-20 minutes they will have to explain the reason for delay,” he said.

The minister conceded about the shortage of staff and lack of trained personnel on the vehicles.

“You require trained staff on the ambulances.  We had good staff in the past who were incubating the patients even better than the doctors,” said Rane.

The minister said that he would be personally inspecting the ambulances by calling them at the headquarters. “I have inspected ambulances designated for neonatal care. They are in good form,” he said.

Team TNV