BENGALURU: The BBMP has claimed that the air-ambulance services it plans to introduce in the city will be affordable for the common man. In addition to helipads at eight locations in the city, some more might come up at government hospitals.
On Saturday, Mayor Sampath Raj announced that eight helipads will be built across the city — one in each zone, to facilitate quicker medical aid for patients, as ambulances often get stuck in traffic. Raj said that a lift, staircase, wheelchair, medical room and a generator set will be available at the locations where the helipads are planned. “Below the helipad, an ambulance will be waiting. It could be private or BBMP can also provide them at all zones. Helicopters will be procured from private firms,” he added.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has given the go-ahead for the project, the mayor said.
Permission for the project will need to be taken from Directorate of General Civil Aviation (DGCA), Air Traffic Control, Fire Department and other bodies. “Once the permissions are obtained, it will only take 5-6 months for the project to finish,” Raj added.BBMP Commissioner Manjunath Prasad said the idea was mooted much earlier.