Govt to add 150 new vehicles to 108 fleet

Hyderabad, Oct 14 (INN): The Telangana Government is increasing the number of 108 Emergency Response Service vans very soon, said Health Minister Dr. Laxma Reddy while interacting with the media immediately after inaugurating Quest Imaging Center and Raddquest Teleradiology Services here in city on Wednesday.

"We have purchased 150 new vehicles to be pressed into 108 Ambulance Service. These are going to be added to the existing 316 vans. The interiors of the just procured vehicles is going on. And expected to be ready to be pressed into the service in another one month time," Laxma Reddy informed, while interacting with media on the sidelines of the inauguration of Quest Imaging Center and Raddquest Teleradiology Services.

When asked why government is restricting certain ailments to be treated at government hospitals, he replied that government hospitals are equipped to handle such ailments, what is why the restrictions he informed.

"Healthcare industry is constantly evolving. Latest and state of the art medical equipments are being introduced from time to time. We don't want government hospitals to lag behind the private hospitals. It is the endeavour of the Telangana Government to equipment government hospitals right from Primary Health Centers to the government hospitals in urban cities to equip with these facilities, so that poor can get the benefit of the same. Prevention is better than cure. Early detection helps reduce disease burden. Hence, there is a need for the latest diagnostic equipment in government hospitals as well, he said. Many heart ailments, kidney problems when diagnosed early can be treated effectively," Laxma Reddy added.

Teleradiology which is the transmission of radiological patient images, such as x-rays, CTs, and MRIs, from one location to another for the purposes of sharing studies with other radiologists and physicians and seeking expert consultation is becoming reality. Teleradiology is in huge demand now and it is the most sought after service. Government hospitals must be in forefront to use such services. He congratulated Raddquest Teleradiology Services for introducing Teleradiology Service Center. Radiologists are in short supply. Introduction of such services as Raddquest Teeleradiology helps to combat a shortage of radiologists, observed Dr. Laxma Reddy.

Lok Sabha MP Ch. Malla Reddy, R&B Minister Thummala Nageswara Rao and Qutubullapur MLA K.P. Vivekananda Goud graced the inaugural function.