Kerala' State Rented Helicopter Saves Life with Rapid Heart Transportion from Thiruvananthapuram to Kochi

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala witnessed the rented helicopter by state in action yesterday, soaring across the skies with the heart. The helicopter, rented by the state government for emergency services, carried the sixth heart, since its induction—from Thiruvananthapuram to Kochi—to save the life of Durga Kami, a Nepal native suffering from a rare genetic disorder. The heart belonged to Shibu (47) from Chirakkal, Kollam, who had suffered brain death.

The first flight involving the state-rented helicopter after it was procured was also for organ transport. During the COVID-19 lockdown, a similar flight carried the heart of Lali Gopakumar from Chempazhanthi, Thiruvananthapuram, to a patient at Lisie Hospital, Ernakulam.

A donated heart must reach the recipient within four hours of removal from the donor body, with six hours being the absolute maximum. Yesterday, the heart reached Kochi in just 40 minutes.

A WhatsApp group comprising police personnel, doctors, and volunteers ensures seamless coordination. Ambulance drivers are briefed to transport the organ immediately from the helipad to the hospital.

Kerala is the only state in India to operate a government-funded helicopter for organ transportation. Renting similar air ambulances elsewhere can cost 1.5–2 lakh rupees per hour. In the past five years, the helicopter has flown six times with a heart, once delivering a donated hand to Amrita Hospital, Kochi, and has also been used for rescue and monitoring during landslides in Wayanad.

The Kerala government rented a helicopter in 2020 specifically for police operations. Currently, the government has a contract with Chipsan Aviation Pvt. Ltd., a Delhi-based company. Earlier, the contract was with Pawan Hans. After that contract ended, a new company was selected through a national-level tender.

The monthly rental, including GST, is 80 lakh rupees. Under this agreement, the helicopter can be operated for 25 hours per month. The contract also allows the police to use the company’s helipad and hangar facilities in Chalakkudy at a reduced cost.

The government has issued clear instructions on how the helicopter should be deployed. 5 hours for coastal and border surveillance. 15 hours for VIP transport, air ambulance services, organ transfers, and disaster relief operations. 5 hours for monitoring five LWE-affected districts.

In emergency situations, the State Police Chief has the authority to alter these timings. The new contract is more cost-effective and provides greater operational hours compared to the previous arrangement with Pawan Hans.

When the government decided to rent the helicopter, there were debates over the cost and financial burden on the state. However, this very helicopter has now played a crucial role in saving numerous lives.