Following walkers' demand, Lalbagh gets medical unit

The horticulture department has also increased the number of first-aid boxes from 24 to 54 in different locations in the garden.

Slithering snakes and buzzing bees have always scared morning walkers, joggers and general visitors at the famous Lalbagh Botanical Gardens.

Witnessing several causalities due to reptiles and insects’ attack in the past and waking up to the lurking threat, the horticulture department has now set up a paramedical centre on its premises for administering first-aid in case of any such casualties.

The department has set up a medical centre ‘Paramedical Force’ at the office of Deputy Director (Lalbagh), near the iconic Glass House. Bengaluru-based Vasavi Hospital will provide medical services free of cost, according to the department officials.

During the Janaspandana event conducted at Lalbagh by Deccan Herald on November 25, several walkers had demanded a medical facility at the gardens.

According to Dr Chandrashekar, Deputy Director, skilled medical professionals would be posted at the medical centre.

“A well-trained staff nurse will be posted at the centre from dawn to dusk. The centre has the facility of one-bed for an emergency and the patients will be administered first aid. Even though presently the centre works from 9.00 am to 6.00 pm, we have plans to make services available for walkers and joggers,” Dr Chandrashekar
explained.

Elaborating on the arrangement, Dr M Jagadeesh, Joint Director, Horticulture, said: “Previously an ambulance was doing rounds across the park. Later according to the suggestions, now, it is been parked in one place.”

“The ambulance does not have an oxygen cylinder facility but helps in getting any patient with blood pressure, diabetic, giddiness to the medical centre immediately,” he added.

This apart, the department has also increased the number of first-aid boxes from 24 to 54 in different locations.

For any emergencies, visitors can call on 9535015189 / 9611188812.