Kolkata, July, 2025: In a pioneering move set to redefine emergency healthcare in India, Desun Hospital in Kolkata has launched the nation’s first hospital-based rooftop helipad, aiming to drastically cut down patient transportation time and enhance critical care access.
The state-of-the-art helipad, situated atop Desun Hospital’s multi-storey facility on EM Bypass, is designed specifically to facilitate the swift airlifting of patients, especially those from remote locations or requiring urgent medical intervention. In a city known for its chronic traffic congestion, this innovation is poised to become a lifeline—literally—for those in need of immediate treatment.
“Time is life in critical care. The rooftop helipad brings a revolutionary edge to our emergency services, allowing patients to bypass the city’s bottlenecks and receive rapid medical attention,” said Mr. Sajal Dutta, Chairman of Desun Hospital, at the official unveiling.
The helipad meets all safety standards as mandated by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Ministry of Civil Aviation. Designed by a team of aviation and structural safety experts, the platform is built to accommodate air ambulances and helicopters, ensuring that even during emergencies, landings and takeoffs can be conducted safely.
A Leap in Indian Healthcare Infrastructure
India has seen an increasing demand for air ambulance services in recent years, particularly during natural disasters and medical emergencies in inaccessible regions. However, few hospitals are currently equipped with the infrastructure to directly receive such patients.
Desun Hospital’s initiative is the first of its kind in the country, offering direct rooftop landing facilities for helicopters transporting critically ill or injured individuals. This integration of aviation and healthcare reflects a shift towards smarter, faster, and more responsive medical systems in urban India.
“The helipad enables a seamless transfer from the air ambulance to the emergency room in less than two minutes. This could be the difference between life and death,” added Dr. Shantanu Sen, a senior emergency care specialist at Desun.
Features and Compliance
The rooftop helipad is built using non-combustible, high-durability materials and includes advanced lighting systems, wind sensors, and safety netting. It is accessible through a dedicated high-speed elevator connected to the hospital’s trauma and intensive care units.
Officials confirmed that the helipad will initially serve patient transport from districts in West Bengal and neighboring states like Jharkhand, Odisha, and Assam. Eventually, the hospital aims to expand services in collaboration with air ambulance providers and government agencies.
Boost to Medical Tourism and Public Health
Healthcare analysts believe the rooftop helipad could also give a boost to medical tourism in eastern India. With patients from neighboring countries like Bangladesh and Nepal frequently seeking treatment in Kolkata, this new infrastructure allows faster and safer transit for international patients as well.
West Bengal Health Department has lauded the initiative. “This marks a significant step in enhancing healthcare delivery, and we hope to see more hospitals replicate this model across India,” a department spokesperson said.
Conclusion
Desun Hospital’s rooftop helipad is more than a structural innovation; it’s a bold step toward future-ready healthcare. As other cities grapple with traffic and logistical delays, this Kolkata hospital has set a benchmark in emergency responsiveness and medical infrastructure.
Sources:
- Times of India: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com
- India Today: https://www.indiatoday.in
- Desun Hospital Official Press Release: https://www.desunhospital.com
