UNICEF provides six emergency vehicles for childcare in TN

VILLUPURAM: July. 18 (PTI): Six 'fully-equipped childcare vehicles' worth Rs one crore to transport infants during emergency medical situations from primary health centres to district hospitals were presented by UNICEF to the Tamil Nadu Government today.
The vehicles to be used at primary health centres of Cuddalore, Kancheepuram and Nagapattinam were handed over to Chief Minister M Karunanidhi by the UNICEF officials.
Many of the infants, born in primary health centres, lose their lives while being transported to district hospitals or medical colleges during emergency medical situations due to lack of amenities in vehicles or due to delay, an official press release here said.
To prevent such incidents, vehicles presented by the UNICEF would be pressed into service. They contain all emergency facilities like incubator, pulse oxy-meter, ventilator and equipment to monitor the blood pressure and other conditions.
The vehicles could also be used by pregnant women who could dial the number `1056' to use the facility. A control room also has been formed to receive the calls.
The government would encourage industrialists and others to fund for more vehicles in rural areas of the state, the release added.
The Chief Minister also reviewed the progress of schemes under the health department and instructed the officials to expedite works for cataract operations and for providing free spectacles. He also directed the officials to provide financial assistance for pregnant women without any delay.
It was also decided to expedite work for setting up medical colleges at Villupuram, Dharmapuri and Tiruvarur and construct additional buildings in 235 hospitals.