Manipal Hospitals rolls out digital innovative solutions (QR Codes) across Bangalore traffic junctions

Bangalore, October 13, 2022: Manipal Hospitals, in association with BBMP (Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike), and Bangalore City Traffic Police recently rolled out QR codes, a quick digital innovative solution, to help bring First Aid care and medical services to people with cardiac emergencies. So far, these QR codes have been installed at 20 traffic junctions in Bangalore.
 

On the successful installation of heart shaped traffic lights, audio messages spreading awareness on heart health and QR code initiative Dr. B.R. Ravikanthe Gowda, IPS, Joint Commissioner of Police, Traffic - Bengaluru City, met with Dr. H Sudarshan Ballal, Chairman, Manipal Hospitals, at the hospital to share insights and views. They dwelt on the recently-launched QR codes posted at traffic junctions, as part of the initiative to access emergency services easily instead of dialing a number to call for it. They also highlighted the importance of knowing CPR skills, that can help save lives. This initiative, led by Manipal Hospitals, with the support of BBMP, and Bangalore City Traffic Police, will make Bengaluru a Heart Smart City.
 

In the presence of Dr. B.R. Ravikanthe Gowda, Manipal Hospitals hosted an event to raise awareness about the QR codes placed at key traffic junctions. People often forget the number of ambulance service during an emergency situation, which can cost lives. As a solution to this problem, the hospital launched the QR code initiative, where one of the codes will help people connect with an emergency ambulance number, and the other will educate them on CPR, or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, which will help them save the lives of infants, children, and adults during cardiac emergencies. Despite CPR being a life-saving technique, only about 2% of India's population knows how to use it correctly.

Dr. H Sudarshan Ballal, Chairman, Manipal Hospitals, said, “We would like to thank Bangalore City Traffic Police and BBMP for their support to make the QR code initiative a success. The heart-shaped signal at the traffic junction is a call to everyone that every life counts and not to neglect their own hearts.”
“There’s been a steep rise in cases of heart ailments among all age groups due to poor lifestyles. So, it is important for everyone to know the basic first aid techniques, which can save lives during cardiac emergencies,” he added.

The codes were initially installed at key traffic junctions including Manipal Old Airport, Trinity Circle, Brigade Road, Anil Kimble LIC, MG Road, Cubbon Park, Indian Express, Mekhri Circle, Hebbal under the flyover, Kundangalli Sahakar Nagar, Sankey Road, Yeshwanthpur Main, Whitefield Bigbazar, Ofarm, Kundanhalli, Sarjapur, Sony World Koramangala, Jayanagar, Lalbagh West and Townhall.

Dr. B.R. Ravikanthe Gowda, IPS, Joint Commissioner of Police, Traffic - Bengaluru City, said, “We began this initiative by installing the heart shaped traffic lights, audio messages and QR codes at key junctions. However, currently we have installed at 20 traffic junctions in Bangalore, and are expected to be placed at more key traffic junctions.”

“The QR codes, an innovative solution, will provide access to medical services in times of cardiac emergencies and create awareness about the correct techniques of CPR. This initiative will help affected people receive timely medical support, resulting in lower mortality,” he added.

A CPR training was also organized at Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, with the help of a mannequin (dummy). The red and green lights on the dummy indicated the compression level exerted on the chest during CPR, with the green blink indicating the right amount of pressure applied on the affected person.

For Manipal Hospitals, this initiative is yet another milestone in its journey of saving lives.