After tasting success from its 108 emergency ambulance services, the Gujarat government is now set to roll out ICU-on-wheels in the state soon. Equipped with advanced healthcare services, the ICU-on-wheels will offer hi-tech medical services.
“Today, the demand for advance health services is higher but number of centres is very less. Lower cost makes the services cost competitive and in turn, also makes it affordable. Which is why, Gujarat Government is going to put in place 20 ICU on wheels in near future to make advanced healthcare services accessible in remote areas of the state,” said Jaynarayan Vyas, minister of health and family welfare, Government of Gujarat, on the sidelines of ‘Health and Hospital Conclave 2011’.
A first ever flagship exhibition and conclave on medical equipment, products and healthcare infrastructure, the ‘Hospital Tech’ and ‘Health & Hospital Conclave 2011’ was organised by Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).
Addressing the inaugural session, Vyas said, “Growing number of population and huge number of middle class having a good purchase capacity offer enormous potential for healthcare industry. More importantly, India is spending about 5.5 per cent of GDP on healthcare and this will be increased in days to come, which also augur well for the industry. The size of the industry is expected to touch the mark of $ 75-80 billion in next five years. But affordability still remains the issue.”
Meanwhile, PK Taneja, principal secretary, health and family welfare, Government of Gujarat said that the government is committed to bring quality improvement in public sector healthcare institute. “Apart from that, the State Government is considering a project on telemedicine in near future for providing healthcare services in rural areas. To make the services affordable and accessible in all areas, technology is a must and this exhibition and conclave will play a crucial role in application of the technology,” Taneja added.