Dungarpur: Residents of the city will no longer have to make rounds of hospitals for minor health problems. The health department has launched a bike ambulance service in Dungarpur to provide primary treatment at home. Patients or their family members can call 108 and describe the health problem. As required, the bike ambulance will then reach the patient's home with a health worker and provide primary treatment. The facility will especially help elderly people and patients who find it difficult to reach a hospital for minor health problems.
Chief Medical and Health Officer (CMHO) Dr Alankar Gupta said the health department has started the facility for residents of the old city. Its main aim is to take treatment for common health problems to people's homes. Under it, blood pressure and sugar tests will be done, along with primary treatment for minor illnesses.
Help Will Come Once You Call 108
Patients or their family members can call 108 when they have a health problem. They will have to describe the problem during the call. The health department will then decide whether the case falls in the non-emergency category. If it is a common problem, the bike ambulance will reach the address with a health worker. The patient will be examined there and given the necessary primary treatment. If hospital treatment appears necessary during the check-up, the patient will be advised to go to a hospital for further treatment.
Bike Ambulance Available at Night Too
A special feature of the service is that arrangements have been made to provide it at night as well. At night, facilities such as giving injections and putting patients on an IV drip, as per a doctor's advice or prescribed treatment, will also be available at home. This will give special relief to people who find it difficult to reach a hospital at night for a minor health problem.
Not for Serious Patients
The health department has made it clear that the bike ambulance has been started for common, non-emergency health problems. It is not an alternative to the ambulances used for serious patients and emergencies. In serious conditions, patients will have to use emergency medical services as before.