Decision soon on Air Ambulance facility: Chandy

Thiruvananthapuram: The State government will soon take a decision on starting an Air Ambulance facility in the state, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy Thursday said.

Speaking at the third anniversary of 'Mrithasanjivini' programme (deceased donor organ transplant programme) of the state government here, Chandy said discussions had been held with some companies on the Air Ambulance project and expressions of interest had been received.

After holding discussions with the companies and hospitals concerned, where organ transplantation facilities are available, a decision will be taken, he said.

"Though the health sector has made great strides, it cannot provide life to anyone. Organ transplant from a brain dead person is the only way to give a new lease of life to a critically ill person," he said.

As part of the 'Mrithasanjivini' programme, at least 381 organs from 141 brain dead persons had been transplanted, Health Minister V S Sivakumar said.

Since August 2012, 106 families have come forward for organ donation, following which over 700 persons have got a new life, he said.

Relatives of some brain dead persons, who offered the organs of their relatives, were felicitated at the function.

Cardiac surgeon Dr Jose Chacko Periapuram of the Lisie hospital at Kochi, Kidney Federation of India Chairman, Father David Chiramel, were among those who were honoured.