Formal Launch of '102 Thalli-Bidda Express' Vehicles* *Free transport services for pregnant women, new mothers, and newborns* *Joint Collector G. Vidyadhari inaugurated the service alongside MLAs Palla Srinivasa Rao and Vishnu Kumar Raju*

Visakhapatnam: Indian News Times:August 11: Joint Collector G. Vidyadhari formally inaugurated the '102 Thalli-Bidda Express' (Mother-Child Express) vehicles on Tuesday. This initiative is being implemented prestigiously by the state government with the aim of strengthening maternal and child healthcare and providing safe, timely medical services to pregnant women, new mothers, and newborns. Gajuwaka MLA Palla Srinivasa Rao and Visakhapatnam North MLA Vishnu Kumar Raju participated in the event and flagged off the vehicles, making the service operational.

Speaking on the occasion, the Joint Collector stated that the program's primary objectives are to reduce maternal and infant mortality rates, encourage safe deliveries in government hospitals, ensure the safe return of mothers and infants to their homes after delivery, and alleviate the financial burden of transportation costs on poor families. She added that the state government is taking special measures to provide quality medical services to pregnant women, new mothers, and newborns.  It was explained that the ‘102 Thalli Bidda Express’ (Mother and Child Express) service provides a completely free postnatal drop-back facility, transporting mothers who have delivered in government hospitals—along with their newborns and two attendants—safely to their homes. Additionally, these vehicles facilitate free transport to and from hospitals for women with high-risk pregnancies and those suffering from severe anemia, enabling access to essential medical care such as iron sucrose treatment, specialized medical tests, and blood transfusions. The Joint Collector (JC) stated that 16 state-of-the-art vehicles have been allocated to Visakhapatnam district for the implementation of this scheme. Currently, services are being operated with vehicles stationed at three locations: nine at King George Hospital, two at Aganampudi, and five at Victoria Hospital.

To ensure passenger safety, the vehicles are equipped with modern amenities such as rear seat belts, airbags, fire extinguishers, air conditioning, mobile charging points, hand sanitizers, tissues, and dustbins. Furthermore, a real-time GPS tracking system and an emergency alert switch—designed to transmit information to the call center during emergencies—have been installed.  It was stated that a special audio system has been made available to broadcast awareness messages regarding maternal and infant health, infant nutrition, and postnatal care during the journey. It was clarified that these services are entirely free and that beneficiaries are under no obligation to pay fees or tips to the drivers. Data revealed that 9,988 beneficiaries availed of these services through 24 vehicles in the district during 2025-26, while 3,274 individuals have utilized them so far in the 2026-27 financial year.

District Medical and Health Officer Dr. P. Jagadeeswara Rao, KGH Superintendent Dr. I. Vani, KGH Administrator B.V. Ramana, Victoria Hospital Superintendent Dr. P. Usha, DCHS Dr. Narendra Singh, NTR Vaidya Seva Trust Coordinator Dr. Apparao, along with other health department officials and public representatives, participated in the event.