Sanjeevani Helicopter Emergency Medical Service Proving To Be Lifesaver In Uttarakhand
Over 60 Patients Airlifted So Far in Critical Situations
In the mountainous terrain of Uttarakhand, where road connectivity is often hampered due to natural calamities and geographic challenges, the Sanjeevani Helicopter Emergency Medical Service is emerging as a true lifesaver. Operated through AIIMS Rishikesh, the country’s first free helicopter ambulance service has been kept on 24-hour alert to respond to medical emergencies and disasters.
Since its launch on October 29, 2024, the heli ambulance has conducted over 74 hours of flight time, airlifting more than 60 critically ill or injured individuals. These include 23 road accident victims, 18 pregnancy-related emergencies, and 19 patients with other medical conditions.
The service has proven crucial in incidents like the Almora bus accident on November 5, 2024, and the Joshimath avalanche on March 1, 2025, where timely airlifts helped save lives.
Crucial Aid Amid Emergencies
One such urgent case occurred on July 11, 2025, when a woman and her granddaughter in Dhapa village, Munsiyari (Pithoragarh district) suffered severe poisoning after consuming wild mushrooms. Local doctors, after administering first aid, referred them to a higher medical center in Haldwani. Responding swiftly, the District Magistrate requested helicopter support from the Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA), which promptly approved the flight.
Unfortunately, due to adverse weather conditions, the mission could not proceed, as DGCA safety protocols require clear flying conditions. The government reiterated that while heli ambulance services are prioritized for emergencies on the District Magistrate’s recommendation, final clearance depends strictly on aviation safety and weather suitability.
A Model for Other States
Speaking on the significance of the initiative, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said: “In view of the difficult geographical conditions in Uttarakhand, helicopter ambulance services have been launched in collaboration with AIIMS Rishikesh. Uttarakhand is among the leading states in the country to provide such services. This heli ambulance is working as a lifesaver.”
He added that when flying is not feasible due to weather or other constraints, district administrations have been instructed to deploy alternative relief measures to ensure that no patient is left without support.
With initiatives like Sanjeevani, Uttarakhand is setting a precedent in emergency healthcare delivery in hilly and remote regions, where every second counts in saving lives.
