Image credits - Hindustan Times
In a notable stride towards boosting emergency healthcare services in the country, India is ready to inaugurate its maiden Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) in the state of Uttarakhand. Announced by Union Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, this groundbreaking initiative aims to provide swift medical assistance to remote and inaccessible areas, particularly in the hilly regions of Uttarakhand.
Scheduled to commence operations from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Rishikesh, the HEMS will deploy a dedicated helicopter capable of airlifting individuals within a radius of 150 kilometers to the nearest medical facility. Minister Scindia underscored the project’s significance, emphasizing its integration under the banner of ‘Sanjeevani’, symbolizing a lifeline for those in urgent need of medical intervention.
The minister further disclosed that the helicopter, currently undergoing assembly and certification, represents a very essential step towards enhancing emergency medical response capabilities. Minister Scindia remarked that the assembly and certification of the helicopter intended for deployment were currently underway and situated on his dashboard. He emphasized that it was entirely his concern and not that of others, thereby underscoring the government’s commitment to expediting the process.
This landmark announcement follows the virtual inauguration of the second phase of the terminal building at Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, attended by Minister Scindia and Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. The newly constructed terminal, constructed at a cost of ₹486 crore, is poised to accommodate up to 3,240 passengers during peak hours and cater to an estimated 4.7 million passengers annually, thereby enhancing air connectivity in the region.
Minister Scindia also outlined plans for the comprehensive upgrade of three airports in Uttarakhand, including Dehradun, Pant Nagar, and Pithoragarh, alongside a strategic expansion of heliport infrastructure. He affirmed that three airports in Uttarakhand, including Dehradun, Pant Nagar, and Pithoragarh, were being upgraded by the government. This underscored the administration’s commitment to enhancing regional air travel.
Notably, the Uttarakhand cabinet had previously approved the Uttarakhand Helipad and Heliport Policy 2023, aimed at addressing challenges associated with accessing remote areas and facilitating emergency medical and disaster relief operations. Developed by the Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA), the policy aligns with the state government’s Empowered Uttarakhand Mission, focusing on enhancing civil aviation infrastructure and fostering ecosystem development.
As part of the policy framework, efforts are underway to expand the network of heliports, with plans to establish a total of 21 heliports in the state over the coming years. This strategic initiative underscores the government’s proactive approach towards enhancing accessibility and emergency response capabilities across Uttarakhand’s challenging terrain.
With the impending launch of India’s first Helicopter Emergency Medical Service, coupled with ambitious plans to fortify air connectivity and infrastructure in Uttarakhand, the state is thus believed to witness a transformative shift in its healthcare and transportation landscape, ushering in a new era of efficiency and accessibility in emergency medical services.
