BENGALURU
Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao inaugurated the state’s advanced Health Emergency Operations Centre (HEOC), a round-the-clock command centre designed to manage health emergencies, pandemics and disasters across Karnataka.
The ultra-modern facility, set up at Arogya Soudha on Magadi Road, has been established as a joint initiative of the Central and State governments to strengthen preparedness and rapid response during crises such as COVID-19 outbreaks, fires, floods and other natural disasters.
Officials said the HEOC will function 24/7 with advanced video conferencing systems, high-speed data transfer facilities and integrated voice communication networks to enable immediate coordination among health officials and emergency response teams across the state.
The centre is expected to serve as a central war room during major medical emergencies, helping authorities monitor situations in real time, conduct rapid assessments and coordinate relief measures efficiently.
Dr Indira Kabade has been appointed as the State Nodal Officer for the facility. In addition, Malaria Medical Officers at district headquarters will function as district nodal officers to ensure seamless statewide response during emergencies.
The command centre has also been integrated with the 108 Emergency Ambulance Service to facilitate faster emergency medical support and transportation during crises.
According to officials, the HEOC will support all aspects of disaster management, including preparedness, mitigation, response and rehabilitation. It will also act as a central data analysis and information dissemination hub during emergencies.
The Health Department clarified that issues related to street dog control would continue to remain under the jurisdiction of local bodies. However, the centre will play a key role in ensuring uninterrupted supply and distribution of vaccines and essential medical resources during emergencies.
Officials said the facility has been developed based on the World Health Organization (WHO) framework for emergency preparedness and response.
The government expects the new centre to significantly strengthen Karnataka’s healthcare resilience and improve the state’s ability to handle future pandemics, disease outbreaks and disaster-related emergencies with faster coordination and decision-making.