IMPHAL / AGARTALA, Oct 25 (TIWN): To meet the crisis of medical care in the hilly terrain of the northeast, DoNER Minister Jitendra Singh on Monday proposed Mobile Air Dispensary service for the region.

The service would envisage a mobile dispensary in a helicopter with a doctor, necessary equipment and medicines flying to far-flung areas in the hills, the minister told media persons here. 

According to Singh, if the model becomes a success in the northeast, then it would be replicated in other hilly states and remote areas having poor connectivity like Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh among others.

Singh's proposal came during his two-day visit (October 24-25) to Manipur. 

Observing that the idea has already been discussed with the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Singh said Minister of State Jayant Sinha has indicated the inclination to work out its feasibility. 

"I held negotiations with the management of some of the leading helicopter companies in the country. 

A discussion would be held soon with the Health Ministry officials in this regard, Singh said. 

He also reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi's announcement to set up a Sports University in Manipur and sought an expeditious decision on allotment of land for setting it up. 

"This will help in grooming the northeastern youth in a professional manner," he said.