Rane promises more efficient 108 ambulance service

Goa Health Minister Vishwajit Rane today said that ambulances of '108' service would be deployed in a more efficient manner, and they will have to respond to distress calls within 15-20 minutes.
Rane, who took over as Health Minister four days ago, has also asked the 108 ambulance service to give him report about patients attended and calls received on daily basis.
"The ambulances will be stationed in such a way that all the accident hotspots are covered. In case of emergency, medical help will reach the patient quickly," he said.
He would be making a brief presentation to Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar on measures taken to strengthen the ambulance service, Rane said.

"I want to streamline this ambulance service. The response time has to be quicker. If they don't attend the patient within 15-20 minutes they will have to explain the reason for delay," he said.
The minister admitted that there was shortage of trained staff.
"You require trained staff on ambulances. We had good staff in the past," said Rane, who had introduced this service during his earlier tenure as minister in Digambar Kamat government.
Rane said he would personally inspect the ambulances. "I have inspected the ambulances designated for neo-natal care. They are in good shape," he said.