`Sanjeevani': APSRTC to convert buses into mobile COVID hospitals
APSRTC converting its sleeper (Vennela) buses into mobile hospitals equipped with oxygen concentrators, to extend emergency medical services to the COVID-19 affected people in remote villages and agency areas of the state.
By Newsmeter Network Published on 28 May 2021 6:35 AM GMT
Amaravati: Andhra Pradesh Transport Minister Perni Venkataramaiah (Nani) on Thursday said AP State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) was converting its sleeper (Vennela) buses into mobile hospitals equipped with oxygen concentrators, to extend emergency medical services to the COVID-19 affected people in remote villages and agency areas of the state.
The Minister inspected a model of 'Sanjeevani' at the Pandit Nehru Bus Station, where APSRTC Vice-Chairman and Managing Director R.P. Thakur explained to him the technical specifications of the new initiative.
The Minister said with the virus spreading to the rural pockets, people were facing problems due to a lack of medical facilities. Emergency medical services, crucial to saving persons infected by the virus, were a challenge.
Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy suggested creating emergency medical services by utilizing these buses, the Minister said.
Nani said as a pilot 17 RTC buses were redesigned to suit the medical purpose by the Amba Coach Factory in Krishna district, while Green Co had donated 50 oxygen concentrators and three A/C units.
"Alternative current supply would ensure for smooth functioning of the oxygen concentrators and the A/C units. These vehicles would extend medical services at places such as Buttayagudem Primary Health Centre and K.R. Puram ITDA PHC in West Godavari district," he said.
He said each bus has 10 beds. "Ten persons can be treated at once in each of these vehicles," he explained.
The Minister said that the inconvenience experienced in handling oxygen cylinders in Rajamahendravaram prompted them to switch to oxygen concentrators.
APSRTC officials A. Koteswara Rao, K.S. Brahmanadam, P. Krishna Mohan, G. Venkateswara Rao, Nagendra Kumar, and others were present.
