Top hospitals aspire for air ambulances, rooftop helipads

New Delhi: Ahead of the Commonwealth Games, the most ‘in-thing’ that every super specialty hospital seems to want is an air ambulance and a helipad. Most hospitals are banking on the Games to get permission for a helipad adding an unexplored dimension to patient care and emergency services.
While air medical evacuation is already done in most super specialty hospitals in the Capital, having a helipad on the hospital roof is the next big thing. The All India Institute of Medical Sciences applied for permission from the Civil Aviation Ministry last year. Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals is also hoping for permission from authorities before the Games begin. According to sources, with Apollo in line for a helipad, competitors like Escorts, Max and Fortis are not to be left behind.
Max is also looking at helipads for its newer projects, said Dr Parvez Ahmed, Executive Director, Max Healthcare. They are already into end-to-end emergency service. Recently, an Italian was brought in from Chandigarh, treated and the hospital staff accompanied her back home to Milan.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued guidelines for planning, infrastructure, markings and safety regulations for construction of roof-top helipads.
26/10/08 Vidya Krishnan/Indian Express

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Categories: Indian Aviation- In General Oct 2008, New Oct 2008