Air ambulances soon in Telangana

Telangana Finance and Health Minister Harish Rao revealed a slew of upcoming initiatives, including the introduction of air ambulances to provide emergency services throughout the State, a service previously reserved for the affluent. He praised a team of British Indian doctors from Telangana conducting free heart operations for children at NIMS, led by Dr Arun.

He acknowledged Telangana’s leadership in organ transplants, particularly highlighting the accomplishment of 100 kidney transplant surgeries at NIMS Hospital within six months. Plans are underway to establish an organ transplant center at Gandhi Hospital’s 8th floor, ensuring accessibility for patients across the nation.

Telangana’s medical infrastructure is well-prepared to address any health emergency, boasting 50,000 beds and a comprehensive network of healthcare facilities at the village, urban, mandal, and constituency levels. Notable projects, such as Warangal Health City and the expansion of NIMS, are underway to further bolster healthcare services. Harish Rao unveiled the highly anticipated ten-year progress report of the Telangana Health Department at a prestigious ceremony held here on Monday. On this momentous occasion, the minister extended a warm welcome to the 310 pharmacists who have secured coveted government positions and joined the esteemed ranks of the Health Department.

A total of 310 individuals have been appointed to serve in various capacities, with 105 taking up roles under the Director of Public Health, 135 under TVVP, and 70 under DME. Harish Rao underscored the indispensable role pharmacists play in ensuring the availability and proper administration of medicines to patients, thereby enhancing the quality of healthcare services.

He emphasised the significance of government employment, highlighting that public servants have a unique opportunity to serve the community. “Over the past nine years, a remarkable 22,600 positions have been filled within the medical department, with ongoing efforts to appoint an additional 7,291 posts,” the minister informed. Harish Rao provided updates on these appointments, including the completion of the staff nurse exam, expressing optimism that Chief Minister KChandrashekar Rao’s administration will have provided 30,000 jobs in the medical department within a decade.

He said, “The Department of Health takes great pride in releasing this comprehensive ten-year progress report, showcasing the remarkable achievements of the State government and the Health Department under the visionary guidance of Chief Minister. Telangana has evolved into a national healthcare role model, achieving accomplishments that were previously unimaginable within just a decade, thanks to the unwavering leadership of KCR.”

The minister highlighted the remarkable progress in healthcare, moving from the 11th rank in the NITI Aayog health index in 2014 to an impressive 3rd rank today, with ambitions to secure the top position. He attributed this success to the collective efforts of the dedicated medical staff. He extended best wishes to all members of the medical department, recognizing their continuous commitment to providing exemplary healthcare services and saving lives. He also highlighted the substantial budget allocation of Rs 12,364 crore and a per capita medical treatment expenditure of Rs 3,532 positioning Telangana as the third-largest spender in the country.

The minister expressed gratitude for the people’s support and concluded by encouraging authorities to display the progress report at dispensaries from the PHC level, spreading awareness of the department’s achievements and inspiring continued dedication.