MP mulling AP model for emergency medicare

Raipur, Mar 17 (UNI) The Madhya Pradesh government is contemplating adopting the Andhra Pradesh model for providing emergency medicare to road accident victims and in other situations, besides linking -- through contract -- five medical colleges to world-class hospital groups.

''The Andhra Pradesh government has forged an understanding with Satyam Computers for an Emergency Medical Research Institute. Satyam has made available well-equipped ambulances in every district,'' Madhya Pradesh Health Minister Ajay Vishnoi told journalists here today while on a visit to Chhattisgarh.

Under the system, a toll-free number may be dialled to summon an ambulance and a contract has been inked with local hospitals for initial treatment. Police stations are also linked with the system.

''Preliminary discussions have taken place between us and Satyam.

A decision will soon be taken on implementing the scheme within 20 km of every district headquarters. A new medicines policy has been implemented, it includes a system wherein medicine may be directly purchased from manufacturers,'' said Mr Vishnoi.

Claiming that a joint review commission placed Madhya Pradesh in top spot vis-a-vis implementation of central health schemes, the Minister accused the predecessor Congress regime of taking no solid steps to deal with a paucity of doctors.

UNI