Bengaluru: BMTC launched Indira transit clinics in Kempegowda Bus Stand and Yeshwanthpur TTMC in Bengaluru, on Saturday. The free service is meant for 33,000 employees of BMTC and the 50 lakh travelling public, especially the eight lakh that transit through KBS.
Health Minister K.R. Ramesh Kumar launched the two clinics along with 70 hi-tech buses having innovative features like wheel chair ramp, to be inducted into BMTC's fleet on 95th bus day on Monday. "Indira clinics will be opened at all major bus terminals as per the National Urban Health Mission (NUHM) if the state transport undertakings (STU) provide space. These will help in times of emergencies and save lives. It will be beneficial to women and senior citizen passengers, to get the primary treatment,” Ramesh Kumar said. He said the government will set up such clinics across all major bus terminuses in the state.
The clinics will be run by the health wing of BMTC and Suvarna Arogya Suraksha Trust in collaboration with empanelled hospitals. The clinic will offer primary treatment for communicable, non-communicable diseases, trauma and emergency, generic medicines, EHR, health drives like PPI services and appropriate referral.
They will operate from 9 am to 4 pm on week days and on Sundays it will function from 10 am to 1 pm. After the pilot phase, the clinic will open up in Shantinagar and Mysuru Satellite bus stands. A medical officer, staff nurse and pharmacist will be available.
Transport Minister H.M. Revanna said, “BMTC will soon set up Transit Clinics in other locations as well. We have already identified space in Yeshwanthpur to set up a multi-specialty hospital for the employees. Indira Sarige, a dedicated bus service for women garment workers and Indira Bus Pass, which provides subsidized fare for poor women construction workers, is also in the pipeline."
Kumar also suggested Transport undertakings to start a super-specialty hospital for transport employees, their family members and also residential schools for the children of transport employees in every district in Karnataka.
The new 70 hi-tech buses, acquired under the JNNURM scheme, comply with BS-IV norms, have two emergency doors at the rear end and one emergency exit behind the driver seat, three fire extinguishers, two surveillance cameras, electronic management system to control engine and brakes, fire detection and suppression system and switch for emergency exit/entry of commuters.
New depots have been sanctioned for a cost of Rs 3.5 crore, five bus shelters for Rs 7.75 crore and employee quarters at Rs 16 crore. Under the Nirbhaya fund scheme passengers can also look forward to more rest rooms at bus station and waiting lounges for women with CCTV surveillance.
