PMC to buy five cardiac ambulances for Rs 80 lakh

PUNE: The civic body has decided to procure five cardiac ambulances for a total cost of Rs 80 lakh.
Citizens can avail themselves of these ambulances via a helpine, Pune Municipal Corporation said.
PMC officials said these ambulances were the need of the hour due to spread of the coronavirus. Shifting patients from one hospital to another is a major issue, especially for those suffering with heart problems, officials said.
“The decision was made to ensure the facility is available to needy and critical patients.These vehicles will soon be made available,” PMC additional commissioner Rubal Agarwal said.
Those in need of these ambulances can call 108 or 9689939381 — PMC’s 24x7 ambulance helpline. Of 125 ambulances — regular and with oxygen support — attached to this service, 20 are used to transport bodies from hospitals to crematoria or burial grounds. The ambulances are stationed at different locations — the jumbo hospital, Covid-19 Care Centres, isolation centres and municipal hospitals.
“Cardiac failure is one of the major concerns when it comes to dealing with Covid-19. Non-availability of a cardiac ambulances can delay the transportation of patients with heart problems, causing more complications. These vehicles can prove lifesavers,” a senior PMC official said.