[Manipal Hospitals Launches 24/7 Paediatric Emergency Service]
Manipal Hospitals, in partnership with Manipal Ambulance Response Services (MARS), has introduced the Manipal Kids First Responder Service, a 24‑hour, 7‑day‑a‑week tele‑medicine platform that offers real‑time video consultations with paediatric emergency specialists. The service is reachable via the toll‑free number 080 2222 1111 and is also advertised on the Manipal Hospitals website.
When a caregiver contacts the helpline, a trained agent at the Manipal Hospitals command centre asks a few screening questions and then connects the caller to a paediatric emergency or critical‑care specialist within two to three minutes. The specialist conducts a video triage and classifies the case into one of three pathways – “Rush” (immediate transport to the nearest emergency facility), “Retreat” (ambulance activation by MARS for hospital transfer), or “Reassure” (advice for home care and follow‑up).
Manipal Hospitals operates nine paediatric‑capable branches across Bengaluru, enabling rapid ambulance deployment to any of its facilities when required. Dr. H. Sudarshan Ballal, Chairman of Manipal Hospitals, stated that the service aims to eliminate the uncertainty parents face during night‑time or weekend emergencies by providing instant diagnosis and directing appropriate care. Dr. A. Sivagnanam, Head of Department & Consultant – Paediatric Emergency at Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, highlighted that the “golden hour” is often lost before a child reaches the hospital, and the new platform seeks to preserve that critical window.
Consultants Dr. Gunda Srinivas (Paediatric Emergency & Paediatrics, Manipal Hospital Kanakapura Road), Dr. Sampath Kumar Shettigar (Paediatrics & Neonatology, Manipal Hospital Whitefield), Dr. Akshay Ballal (Paediatrician and Paediatric Intensive Care Specialist, Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road) and Dr. Dilip Kumar Venkatesan (Paediatrics and Paediatric Emergency, Manipal Hospital Yelahanka) each emphasized that early recognition within the “golden hour” and “platinum minutes” can significantly influence outcomes, and that video consultation at odd hours can reassure families and guide whether to call an ambulance, visit a hospital, or monitor at home.
The service also extends to schools and childcare institutions, offering immediate guidance for minor injuries or sudden illnesses. The initiative is promoted with the tagline “Dial. Detect. Direct.” and aims to ensure that no caregiver has to make emergency decisions alone.
For further information, stakeholders can visit https://www.manipalhospitals.com/ or call the dedicated helpline.