Indian opportunities abound for Eurocopter

Eurocopter is said to be in talks with some of the leading private hospital organisations in India to investigate the potential role of air medical provision in the country’s developing healthcare system. Talks have been held in New Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore with hospitals groups Manipal and Apollo. Eurocopter has stated that it hopes to deliver at least four helicopters that are equipped with emergency medical kits to begin with, marking the first foray the company has made into India. Speaking to The Financial Express of India, Bruno Boulnois, general manager of Eurocopter India, said that the EMS helicopter industry is only just beginning in the country, but with big corporate companies such as Apollo showing interest, it is hoped that many more opportunities will open up as time goes by. He added that feasibility studies were being undertaken in order to correctly identify the needs and requirements of the market: “We have appointed two consultants for this. The mandate of the consultants will be to identify locations for setting up helipads and the equipment to be onboard.” He also mentioned the importance of the infrastructure for HEMS provision, as well as agreements between the hospitals, helicopter operators and insurance companies that will ensure the system works smoothly and to the best possible standards.
In confirmation of the opportunities available in India at the moment, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) has applied for permission from the Civil Aviation Ministry for a helipad on top of its roof, and several other hospitals are also waiting in line for similar approval.
14/11/08 Waypoint AirMed & Rescue Magazine, UK

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Categories: Foreign Nov 2008, Indian Aviation- In General Nov 2008, New Nov 2008