Apollo to Set Up Mini-hospital at New Hyderabad Airport

GMR Hyderabad International Airport Ltd (GHIAL) selected Apollo Hospitals for setting up a medical centre inside the passenger terminal.

GMR Hyderabad International Airport Ltd (GHIAL), which is building a greenfield airport in Hyderabad, today selected Apollo Hospitals for setting up a medical centre inside the passenger terminal.

The 17-bed medical centre will be built in the passenger terminal building (PTB) of the airport in Shamshabad, which is expected to become operational by March 2008.

"We are fully aware of the importance of providing emergency treatment to the passengers as well as the basic medical care for employees working in the airport. We are sure it will live up to our expectations in making the new Hyderabad international airport a truly customer-friendly one," T. Srinagesh, chief operating officer of GHIAL, said in a statement.

As per the agreement, Apollo Hospitals will set up the medical centre spread over 300 sq meters in Level B of the PTB and first aid kiosks in passenger restricted areas.

"It (Apollo) will provide permanent staffing and dedicated paramedics in this centre. It will have facilities like ultrasound, ECG as well as round-the-clock emergency dental services," the company added.

GHIAL is a joint venture company promoted by the GMR Group, which has a stake of 63 percent, and Malaysia Airports Holding Berhad with an 11 percent stake.

The Andhra Pradesh government and the Airports Authority of India will have 13 percent stake each in the project.

"The facility will serve as an emergency treatment centre for passengers who may develop medical complications while on travel or in the airport premises.

"It will also serve as an important partner in disaster management during crisis periods such as explosion, fire, earthquake, plane crash etc within the airport premises," the company added.

In addition to the passengers, the centre will provide medical care to needy airlines and airport staff, and will also act as a centre for conducting pre-flight medical tests for pilots and flight crews.

The agreement also envisages the medical centre to own and operate a minimum of four advanced ambulances, the company added.

Source-IANS
SRM/C