A state-of-the-art Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) ambulance was inaugurated at the South Goa District Hospital in Margao on Monday under the MPLAD scheme of South Goa MP Captain Viriato Fernandes.
The ambulance was inaugurated by renowned cardiologist Dr Francisco Colaco in the presence of Quepem MLA Altone D’Costa, GPCC president Amit Patkar, GPCC senior vice president M.K. Shaikh, additional collector Ramesh Gaonkar, doctors and staff of the district hospital, party office-bearers, local residents and well-wishers.
The advanced cardiac ambulance, estimated to cost around Rs 50 lakh, has been handed over to the 108 ambulance service for operation and maintenance. The vehicle will be stationed at the South Goa District Hospital and is equipped to provide emergency cardiac and life-saving support during the critical golden hour.
Speaking at the function, MP Viriato Fernandes said the proposal for the ambulance came after Congress leader Savio Coutinho requested him to sanction a dedicated emergency vehicle for the district hospital.
“I immediately approved the proposal. However, procurement took time as some equipment had to be sourced from abroad. I have been informed that the project has cost around Rs 49-50 lakh. The collector completed the tendering process and other formalities through the GeM portal,” Fernandes said.
© Cicero Silva, HJFernandes said consultations were held with health officials before finalising the specifications of the ambulance.
“Everyone stressed the need for advanced life-saving equipment capable of treating patients during the golden hour,” he said.
The South Goa MP also announced that another ambulance with similar specifications would soon be deployed at the Sub-District Hospital in Chicalim under the MPLAD scheme to cater to residents of Mormugao taluka.
The idea for the advanced cardiac ambulance was conceived over a year ago following the death of Colmorod-Margao resident Shirish Pai Kane in a road accident, reportedly due to the absence of a suitable ambulance to transport him to Goa Medical College in Bambolim.
© Cicero Silva, HJFernandes said his focus continued to remain on healthcare and education initiatives and added that the 108 ambulance service would be responsible for maintaining the vehicle.
Quepem MLA Altone D’Costa described the ambulance as a much-needed addition to South Goa’s healthcare infrastructure and praised the MP for taking up several development projects over the past two years.
GPCC president Amit Patkar said the advanced life support ambulance would strengthen emergency healthcare services in South Goa and improve the chances of saving lives during critical medical emergencies.
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