Bhutan is planning 2 new air ambulance bases in Mongar and Gallifo.
Royal Bhutan Helicopter Service Limited will set up new bases at Mongar and Gallifo, providing medical evacuation services to the eastern and southern parts of the Himalayan kingdom.
The national newspaper of the Council, Bhutan, reports that Prime Minister Dr. Lotte Shering on Wednesday announced the establishment of two new air ambulance bases in Gallipo.
The Prime Minister said the new air ambulance bases are expected to improve medical response times and provide better access to healthcare facilities for remote people.
At this time, medical reactions are often affected by bad weather as well as mountainous areas of the country. Many critically ill patients in the southern and eastern parts of the country go to Assam and West Bengal for treatment.
Royal Bhutan Helicopter Service Limited plans to purchase new helicopters for bases, and is also working on ways to recruit new flight and ground crews.
The Bhutanese prime minister said it would take about two years to get the plane.
“With further relaxation of the code, more cases and patients will need medical attention, which will put a strain on the frontline workers,” said Dr. Lotte Schering, who is also a physician.
Helicopters will facilitate referral hospitals in Thimphu, Mongar and Gelephu to ensure timely medical flights without interruption due to inclement weather.
At present, Royal Bhutan Helicopter Service Limited operates two Airbus H130 helicopters from its main base at Paro International Airport.