Tuesday, October 18 2005 16:58 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Escorts Heart Institute and Research Centre today (Oct 18, 2005) signed an agreement with Deccan Aviation, which operates the budget carrier Air Deccan, to launch 'Air Rescue One,' the country's first dedicated air ambulance that is equipped to deliver critical care to patients even at 10,000 ft in the sky.

While Deccan Aviation would provide eight helicopters and two fixed-wing aircraft, besides full logistical and ground support, EHIRC would be responsible for total medical rescue operation and equipment.

"It is going to be a concerted effort from two leaders in the field of medical evacuation services," Deccan Aviation Managing Director Capt. Gopinath told reporters here.

But the cost of the service, pegged at Rs 45,000-50,000 for an hour's flight and Rs 30,000 as fixed medical charges, is currently out of reach of the common man.

However, Gopinath said he was in talks with a general insurance firm to work out a policy to cover air ambulance costs, which would drastically reduce the costs.

"Once the policy is in place, the premium would work out to be as low as Rs 2,000 making it affordable to the common man," he said.

As the number of policies increase, the premium cost would drop further. We are looking at Rs 1,000 mark," EHIRC Executive Director Naresh Trehan said.