Pharma firms keen on running 108 service in TS

Hyderabad: Some of the noted Pharma companies expressed interest in running the emergency ambulances (108) service in the State. GVK EMRI took care of maintenance and operations of the emergency services from combined State.

After the contract ended, the health department is exploring all options on assigning the job to existing players or to give an opportunity to pharma firms interested in the service.

Government is spending Rs 70 crore per annum on services with all the 330-odd ambulance vans plying in all districts owned by it.

Health department officials stated that Pharma companies are requesting the government to use their logos on the ambulance services, which they feel would be a good publicity initiative.

For this reason, a noted firm has come forward to give 40 per cent of the annual costs borne by the government in return.

This proposal has grabbed the attention of the department as the burden on the government will be much lesser. However, authorities are looking into all aspects before the government takes a final decision.