KL Report
SRINAGAR
Jammu and Kashmir will soon have Critical Care Ambulances, one at Jammu and the other at Srinagar. The prestigious project was discussed in detail by the health minister, Chowdhury Lal Singh and the CEO, Mother Helpage Worldwide (MHW), Capt Dr Sohail Nasti at Jammu recently. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) to this effect is likely to be signed shortly.
Taking cognizance of the news reports that there were no Critical Care Ambulances in the state, Dr Sohail took up the matter with the Health Minister who offered full support for the project.
It was further discussed that the government in collaboration MHW have plans to establish emergency medicare units along the Jammu-Srinagar-Baramulla highway.
According to official data 3595 persons have lost their lives in 19444 road accidents during the past three years. During the same period 28,246 persons sustained injuries. The data further reveals that in the year 2010 a total of 6142 accident cases were registered, claiming 1029 lives besides leaving 8945 injured. Moreover during 2011, a total of 6665 accidents were reported claiming 1140 lives and injuring 10092 persons, while in year 2012, a total of 6637 cases were reported, claimed 1426 lives and injuring 9209.
Dr Sohail while talking to newsmen said MHW will be glad to work for improvement of healthcare in the state. Pertinent to mention MHW has donated an ICU Unit worth Rs 30 lacs to Bone and Joint Hospital, Srinagar. Medical equipment including beds, wheelchairs etc were gifted to SKIMS Hospital, Bemina. In addition equipment including dental chairs was donated to Tangmarg hospital.
The Health Minister while appreciating Dr Sohail for his efforts to upgrade healthcare in Jammu Kashmir urged the doctors to follow him.
MHW is an international charity with its headquarters at London. It works in 20 countries across the globe. It specializes in disaster response. Last year MHW offered to train the local police in disaster preparedness. However, the then government did not heed the proposal.
MHW was founded by Dr Sohail Nasti at Islamabad in the loving memory of his mother who passed away in 1994.
