Air ambulance counter comes up at Patna airport

PATNA: A round the clock air ambulance counter, joint initiative of two private firms, was inaugurated by health minister Mangal Pandey at Jayaprakash Narayan International Airport (JPNI) here on Thursday.
The minister appreciated the joint initiative of the two private companies which provide air ambulance services across the country. “People can directly book air ambulance from this 24x7 counter at Patna airport now to shift patients to hospitals in other cities,” he said.
Patna airport director Bhupesh CH Negi, Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) commandant Vishal Dubey, Airline Operators’ Committee chairman Rupesh Singh and airline executives attended the inaugural function.
An official of the private firm running the air ambulance service said permission had to be obtained from the state hangar earlier for parking the air ambulance for sending patients from Patna to other cities across the country. “Getting permission was a time-taking exercise. Now, people will not have to go through lengthy processes as all the formalities can be completed at the counter itself,” the official said.
Anshu Aman, managing director of the other private firm, said, “We have issued a toll free number – 9931075125 – for the convenience of people. One can avail the air ambulance service by paying Rs 4.80 lakh to 5 lakh. An ICU team, doctors, nurse and two attendants will accompany the patient.”
Aman added, “Ten to 12 patients avail the air ambulance service in Bihar on an average per month through recommendations from the doctors. Now, they can do it on their own.”
Officials of the two companies said they have planned to open similar air ambulance counter at Gaya airport next week. “One air ambulance aircraft will be stationed at Gaya airport,” they added.