In a move that is expected to make a big difference in the lives of ordinary people in the state, the Kerala Health Department has launched an emergency trauma care service. Named Kanivu (Kerala Ambulance Network for Indisposed Victims), the free ambulance will have trained people and modern facilities.
The service can be accessed by dialling the number 108.
The service, which was earlier inaugurated by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on September 17, became operational at 12 noon on Tuesday. In the first phase, the service has become operational in seven southern and central districts- Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, Pathanamthitta , Ernakulam, Kottayam and Idukki.
As many as 101 ambulances have been deployed across the seven districts. 315 ambulances in total are part of the scheme. The service will be expanded to more districts by the end of October.
"The extension of the service will be based on the feedback of the people as it's the first phase of the project," said Health Minister KK Shailaja.
The public can make complaints and give suggestions on the toll free number - 18005992270.
28 ambulances have been deployed in Thiruvananthapuram, 10 in Kollam, 18 in Alappuzha, 15 each in Pathanamthitta and Ernakulam, eight in Kottayam and seven in Idukki.
"People who come to the rescue of accident victims should not be victimised and the attitude of police personnel towards those who help accident victims should reflect the government's stand,” the Chief Minister said while launching the service in Thiruvananthapuram on Tuesday.
Kanivu has been launched as a part of comprehensive trauma care in government-run hospitals in the state, considering the fact that the number of casualties in road accidents can be reduced if medical care is provided at the earliest.
The ambulances will have a trained pilot and an emergency medical technician apart from having modern life saving equipment. A call centre with the required provisions has also been arranged to coordinate the functioning of the service.
A nodal officer has been appointed at each hospital to ensure that the service is provided in a speedy manner and without any delay.
The service of a doctor while transporting the patient will be provided through teleconference if needed. If a specialist doctor or a life supporting system is not available in a nearby hospital, the nodal officer will communicate with the call centre and make it available from other hospitals in the area in the shortest time possible.
Kanivu replaces the previous ambulance service named ‘108’ which had been functioning in Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam districts only.