A private hospital in Kolkata launched its rooftop helipad with a successful trial run on Friday. An Agusta 109 SP helicopter took off from Behala Flying Club and landed smoothly on the hospital’s helipad, marking a milestone in emergency healthcare services, the hospital said in a statement.

“The Augusta 109 SP helicopter, taking off from Behala Flying Club, landed smoothly on the Desun Hospital helipad, located at an elevation of 52.45 meters. This follows the recent approval from the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on January 14th,” said a staff member of the hospital.

The helicopter landed on the raised platform of the private super-speciality Desun Hospital. Sajal Dutta, chairman & managing director of Desun Hospital, said, “This helipad will revolutionize emergency healthcare in our region. Critically ill patients from West Bengal, the North-East, and other parts of Eastern India will now have access to rapid medical transport via air ambulance.”

Dutta highlighted the meticulous planning and construction involved, ensuring the helipad meets the highest safety standards. “In life-threatening emergencies, every second counts. Desun is committed to providing the fastest and most effective access to quality healthcare.”

The healthcare facility received the go-ahead from the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on January 14 with instructions to undertake the first landing as a trial.

Accordingly, the DGCA-authorised agency, OSS Air Management Pvt Ltd conducted the flight with a DGCA observer on board. — With PTI