Ambulance services not enough; it is crucial to have trained paramedics too

By Priya Pathak

TheKarnataka government started the 108 service for immediate medical help. Along with this service, many organisations pitched in to fulfill the need for ambulances.

According to a Niti Aayog report, even though 91 percent of hospitals have in-house ambulances, the number of trained paramedics needed to assist ambulance services is only 34 per cent. A 2021 report of the Aayog said that 30 percent of people needing emergency medical care die due to lack of ambulances.

The Rotary Club of Bangalore donated three ambulances on Monday. Club president Rtn. Sanjay Udani said that these would be given to the burns ward in Victoria Hospital; Hope of Home, a place for homeless, abandoned and orphaned people; and Nightingales, an organisation that provides health care to senior citizens.

A report from the Institute of Health Management Research said emergency medical services are needed for pregnancy-related cases, and other cases like that of severe trauma, conges- tive heart failure, obstructive airway diseases and poisoning.

Dr Anand Ram, Assistant Professor of Community Medicine

Excessive construction and engineering work linked to building construction is causing severe harm to the ecosystem. The use of heavy machinery, excavation, and deforestation have resulted in soil erosion, habitat loss, and pollution of air and water. These activities also disrupt natural habitats, risking soil contamination and the loss of plant and animal species. Prioritizing sustainable building practices, and ecological restoration efforts, are crucial to protect biodiversity, while fighting climate change.

Bhaskar Balaji

Pollution cannot be ignored any further

The air quality, the dust, and the smoke from the vehicles make commuting difficult to a point where I can’t ignore the problem of pollution anymore. Bengaluru, once a beautiful city, is now covered in dust and smoke. Pollution and dust is another concern most commuters face. With thousands of vehicles plying on the roads daily, tackling this problem has become difficult.

Winnie Jasper

Hygiene & safety at stake due to poor waste disposal

Poor waste disposal in Bengaluru has had a significant impact on the transmission of various diseases, especially with increased mosquito numbers, foul smells and hazardous material disposed of improperly. These things spew into healthy environments and neighborhoods, creating a growing concern for hygiene and safety.

Krishna Doniparti

Which mission is more valid: Mars or Moon?

at Ramaiah Medical College, said: “We need more organisations to pitch in and give people an option other than government-provided ambulances. The only caveat being that the ambulances must be equipped with life-saving equipments and paramedics trained in basic life support, obstetric emergencies and trauma care.

“The number of ambulances we have do not correspond to the need in both urban and rural India. So it is welcome that such organisations are recognising and catering to public health care needs. Also, the traffic police, city administration and the public health system, along with the private healthcare providers, need to work in tandem to ensure there are no preventable casualties due to lack of coordination”.He added there are 108 ambulance services for medical emergencies ranging from maternity, child, acute cardiovascular, road traffic accidents, injuries, intensive care referrals. priya.p@iijnm.org

Experts claim that the recent explosion of SpaceX’s Starship is but a hiccup and shouldn’t hinder full-stream progress. In a stark contrast, recent headlines report ISRO and NASA are still expanding their upcoming Moon missions. However, whose approach is valid is a mystery.The bruteforce approach of Elon Musk’s company to reach Mars or the conservative approach by space agencies to reach the Moon again.

Anand Raja

Bengaluru has suffered a cultural loss

Noise and sound pollution in Bengaluru are among the biggest challenges that the city faces. While transitioning from a quiet hill station to a metropolitan city, it has lost the space to sit and reflect. Increasing population density has worsened the situation. Gone are the days when one could sit on one’s balcony and absorb the sounds and smells of the environment. Honking traffic, construction and bustling chaos have replaced the peace. It is a cultural loss that demands our attention. Let us cherish our environment before it’s too late.

Aditya Raja