Tawang: In a significant move aimed at enhancing healthcare services in the state, Chief Minister Pema Khandu inaugurated the Chief Minister Health Emergency Life Protection Service (CM HELPS) initiative on Tuesday. The event took place at the Khando Drowa Sangmo District Hospital in Tawang, with the presence of esteemed dignitaries including Honorable MLAs Shri Tsering Lhamu Ji and Shri Tsering Tashi Ji, DC Shri KN Damo, and SP B Kamduk.
The CM HELPS center, the second of its kind after TRIHMS in Naharlagun, has been established to cater to the medical needs of people residing in remote and challenging terrains. In his speech during the inauguration ceremony, Chief Minister Shri Khandu highlighted that the customized, affordable, accessible, and high-quality emergency care provided by CM HELPS would greatly assist patients and ease the burden of medical services.
Arunachal Pradesh, known for its rugged and tough terrain, is a state with remote and dispersed habitation. Health emergencies often strike when patients and their families are mentally, physically, and financially vulnerable, catching them unprepared to cope with such situations. Recognizing this, Chief Minister Khandu stressed the need for affordable, accessible, contextual, and quality emergency care services, emphasizing the establishment of a robust integrated emergency care system. CM HELPS represents a significant step in that direction.
The Chief Minister also shared the government’s plans to upgrade and transform the casualty rooms and emergency units of various district hospitals, including Seppa, Tawang, Aalo, Koloriang, and Longding, into modern Emergency Care Centers. These upgraded facilities are set to be launched by the end of June, with a phased approach to transforming the emergency and casualty units in all district hospitals across the state.
For the first time in the Health Department, a written Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) has been formulated specifically for emergency units in district hospitals. Chief Minister Khandu emphasized that an emergency area requires dynamic actions in real-time, often characterized by fast-paced situations. The SOP provides a pre-defined framework to guide such actions, facilitating better coordination and implementation of emergency care services.
Chief Minister Khandu also provided updates on various healthcare initiatives in the state. The State-of-Art Emergency and Trauma Centre at TRIHMS, equipped with dedicated CT scans, modular operation theaters, and diagnostic services exclusively for emergency patients, is now operational. Additionally, the Health Department has procured 26 Patient Transport Vehicles, 26 Mobile Medical Vehicles, and 26 Oxygen cum Vaccine Carriers, ensuring efficient healthcare access throughout the districts. Furthermore, 27 PM CARES Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) Plants have been installed.
The government has made significant efforts to ensure an adequate supply of medical oxygen. Oxygen pipelines have been installed in all district hospitals, and oxygen concentrators and cylinders are available in all districts. With over 1,500 oxygen beds, the state has prioritized training programs in oxygen therapy, the operation of PSA plants, and the usage of oxygen devices for all district hospitals.
To enhance critical care capabilities, 64 ICU beds have been established, and plans are underway to add 56 ICU beds, 33 Pediatric ICU beds, and 40 Pediatric High Dependency Unit (HDU) beds. Additionally, the recruitment of 90 nursing officers specialized in critical and emergency care is in progress. In the near future, the introduction of a Cardiac Cath Lab at TRIHMS will bolster the facility’s ability to handle cardiac emergencies. Furthermore, preparations are underway for the
