A homecare vehicle was launched on Tuesday for the first time in Arunachal Pradesh to provide basic medical services to the people at their doorsteps.
The homecare vehicle was flagged off by Arunachal Pradesh home minister Bamang Felix at the Heema Hospital complex in Itanagar.
Speaking to reporters, Felix while appreciating the Heema Hospital authority for coming up with the homecare facility, said: “The service would be a great help for the people of Itanagar Capital Region (ICR), especially for those who are bedridden and unable to reach the hospitals.”
“This is a first of its kind service being launched in the state where the doctors and nurses would be visiting the patients at home to treat minor ailments,” Felix said.
The home minister informed that the state government has invested the entire ‘health funds’ received from the central government for the establishment and up-gradation of government hospitals across the state.
“The state government has already decided to use funds worth around Rs 300 crore received under North East Council (NEC), Non-Lapsable Central Pool of Resources (NLCPR), Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) and North East Special Infrastructure Development Schemes (NESIDS) to improve the health facilities of the state,” he said.
Further assuring his support to healthcare workers, the home minister said instructions have been given to all to call the police for assistance if they face any trouble and hindrance while rendering their services to the public.
Meanwhile, Heema Homecare managing director Dr Byabang Heema said the homecare service is only for non-emergency cases and minor ailments.
“Besides providing nursing services for chronic illness, we will also provide at-home physiotherapy services as many of our elderly are facing lifestyle diseases,” she said, while adding that the services would be accessible and affordable.
Dr Heema said a team of 5 doctors and 10 nurses has been assigned for the homecare service as of now.
“Though we are planning to spread the homecare services in all the districts of the state, the same would, however, only be available in the ICR for now,” she said.