Centre proposes setting up 50 helicopter emergency MSUs along highways

Civil aviation minister K Rammohan Naidu on Tuesday proposed developing a network of more than 50 helicopter emergency medical services units along national highways and expressways. At a conference in the national capital, the minister also mentioned about setting up a helicopter accelerator cell within the civil aviation ministry for addressing the regulatory and operational needs of the helicopter industry.

By involving experts and streamlining decision-making, the cell aims to make helicopter operations smoother and more responsive to the industry’s growth demands, a release said, quoting the minister.

The ministry is also working on developing Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS).

He proposed having a network of over 50 HEMS units along national highways and expressways as part of efforts to make HEMS a key part of the country’s healthcare infrastructure.

Further, Naidu pitched for establishing a regulatory framework dedicated for helicopters, helicopter corridors and streamlined permissions, among others. PTI