Mubashir Alam Wani
Srinagar, Feb 19: Following the advisory by Srinagar traffic police authorities for the hassle free movement of ambulances, Health Department Kashmir has urged all Medical Superintendents of Kashmir to ensure coordination with the traffic police at times when referring critical patients to health facilities.
In a circular issued by the DHS-K, it has asked to ensure priority clearance for ambulances during transit and avoiding unnecessary delays that could jeopardize patient care.
It was further asked to facilitate smooth traffic flow to expedite emergency responses.
Senior superintendent of Police (SSP) city traffic, Muzaffar Ahmad Shah told KNO that the purpose of the advisory is to facilitate the smooth movement of ambulances carrying referral patients from different parts of Kashmir.
“Information of any ambulance carrying a referral patient from any periphery or health care centre of Kashmir to Srinagar should be communicated to the traffic police control room so that a smooth corridor can be made available for the medical emergency,” he said.
The senior police official said that in order to ensure the hassle free movement of the ambulances, Srinagar traffic police authorities issued an advisory asking hospital administration and other health care centers operating in Kashmir to communicate with traffic police control room for smooth movement of patients within the municipal limits of Srinagar.
The DHS-K circular further stated that all the Medical Superintendents of Kashmir division should ensure pre-approval for critical cases, saying that before referring any critical patient, it should ensure that approval has been obtained from the traffic department for priority clearance.
“Real-time Communication: Maintain open communication channels with the traffic department to provide updates on ambulance locations and expected arrival times. Alternative Routes: In case of traffic congestion, work with the traffic department to identify and utilize alternative routes for faster ambulance movement,” said the circular.
It has further asked for training and awareness, saying to conduct regular training sessions for ambulance drivers and staff on the importance of coordinating with the traffic department for efficient movement.
Earlier on Sunday, in an advisory issued by the Srinagar traffic police, it asked that in case of any medical emergency movement, hospital administration and other health care centers operating in the Kashmir valley are advised to communicate with the Traffic Police Control Room for hassle free movement of patients within the municipal limits of Srinagar.
The advisory stated that the drivers of the medical emergency vehicles carrying patients and the attendants should keep close liaison with traffic control unit on the mentioned helpline numbers during the transit of patient to the hospital for a hassle free passage.
The numbers mentioned in the advisory are, 0194-2450022, 0194-2485396, toll free no is 18001807091 and special service no is 103.
“All the commuters on road are advised to pave way for Ambulances, especially carrying patients to referral hospitals, failure to provide passage to the medical emergency vehicles (Ambulances) is violation under section 194E Motor Vehicle Act and carries fine of Rs 10, 000/- and imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months,” reads the advisory. (KNO)
