A patient avails himself of the service of a medical van. Telegraph picture

Jamshedpur, Feb. 8: Soon, surgeries would be literally performed on the road, as doctors conference with specialists in remote locations all thanks to specialised vans being introduced in the state.

Jharkhand health department officials said two such vans are operational on trial basis at Chaibasa and Garhwa. Based on the performance and response, more such vans would be introduced in other districts.

Procured for Rs 66 lakh each, the medical vans have the latest equipment for conducting x-rays, pathological tests and ECGs. Each has a fully equipped mini operation theatre for emergencies.

The vehicle would also have the facility of tele-medicine, through which doctors can contact their counterparts in Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences or All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, for assistance.

S.P. Sinha, the secretary of the health department, said: “We have got a good response so far and we expect that all the other vans would reach the districts by March.”

The idea behind starting the mobile medical service, health department officials said, was to reach the interiors, which are mostly left untouched due to rough terrain or distance.

“During emergencies, the patient has to be referred to a hospital that is faraway or the doctor has to come back to the nearest place where he can procure medicine. But with a mobile van, treatment can be provided on the spot. The patient can be taken to a hospital later, if needed,” said a health department official.

East Singhbhum civil surgeon P.C. Hembrom said he had a conversation with the health department officials and the van is likely to reach Jamshedpur next month.

“It would be an asset to us as many patients can be treated in areas that are inaccessible,” added Hembrom.