This is why there are QR codes stuck around Bengaluru's traffic signals

Fresh QR codes turned up across Bengaluru city, but they were not related to the ‘PayCM’ controversy. Bengaluru civic body, along with Manipal Hospitals and the city's traffic police force have launched an initiative to provide emergency medical services in the midst of traffic jams.

Published on: Oct 4, 2022, 15:03:52 IST

By Yamini C S | Edited by Sohini Goswami

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Bengaluru's local civic body, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), has launched a digital solution across the city to provide emergency medical services, specifically cardiac care, in the midst of traffic congestions, with QR (quick response) codes stamped at all traffic signals of the Karnataka capital.

The initiative was launched on World Heart Day to provide quick help to those affected with cardiac issues in the middle of a traffic jam. (HT)

The BBMP has worked alongside the Bengaluru City Traffic Police and Manipal Hospitals to use the technology to further medical care availability in the city.

READ | ‘QR code an evil design’: Bommai on Karnataka Congress ‘PayCM’ campaign

When scanned, these codes will connect an affected person to an emergency number and be re-directed to ambulance services at a single click, the multi-speciality healthcare chain told news agency PTI.

The QR codes were launched on the occasion of World Heart Day last week to enable residents to keep a clear mind and seek help and directions in difficult situations. The idea is to provide help at the click of a button during emergencies when one does not have the presence of mind to remember numbers, the regional chief operating officer of Manipal Hospitals for Bengaluru Cluster, Mysuru and Salem, Deepak Venugopalan told the agency.

READ | Maharashtra government’s cardiac ailment detection programme has saved 6,144 lives

The hospital has also rolled out another QR code which directs people with guidance on how to perform CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and goes through the various steps involved in reviving a person. The hospital, in a statement, stressed on the importance of CPR in saving a life. Less than two per cent of India's population know how to perform CPR effectively, it added.

Lauded the initiative on social media, writing, "The QR Code enabled first aid and emergency care services at traffic signals is an example of how technology can be leveraged to enhance access to healthcare."

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Yamini C S
Yamini CS is a Senior Content Producer at Hindustan Times with nearly six years of experience in digital journalism. She is part of the India News desk, where she works on a wide range of stories cutting across civic issues, city-based developments, politics, governance, public policy, breaking news, trending topics, and international affairs that have an impact on India. Her role involves tracking fast-moving developments, verifying information from official and on-ground sources, and presenting news in a clear, accessible format for a digital-first audience. A significant part of her work includes handling live blogs during major news events, such as elections, court verdicts, political developments, civic disruptions, protests, weather-related alerts, and unfolding national or international incidents. Through live coverage, she focuses on timely updates to help readers follow complex stories as they evolve. Before moving to the broader India News desk, Yamini was associated with the Bengaluru desk at Hindustan Times, where she extensively covered urban governance, infrastructure, traffic and transport issues, weather events, public grievances, and civic administration in the city. This experience strengthened her grounding in city reporting and sharpened her focus on citizen-centric journalism. She began her career as a correspondent with Reuters after completing a postgraduate diploma in journalism from the Indian Institute of Journalism and New Media. Her early training instilled a strong emphasis on accuracy, sourcing, and news ethics, which continue to shape her reporting style. Outside of work, Yamini enjoys reading across genres, listening to music, and spending time with her family, which help her maintain balance in a fast-paced newsroom environment.Read More

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