Highlights
- Speaking to the media, Jt CP Traffic R Gowda said, “Joined hands with Manipal hospitals to create awareness about heart health issues using traffic signals. Banners & pamphlets are to be used as well. 20 junctions selected to display hearts between 15-25th.”
- Along with these newly installed lights, the management at Manipal Hospitals has set up QR codes near traffic signals.
A few of the traffic lights on Bengaluru roads have turned into the shape of a heart to encourage the tech city to turn into a ‘heart smart city’. Don’t know what that means? In a bid to raise awareness among people on heart issues, traffic lights on some of Karanataka’s Bengaluru roads have turned into the shape of a heart.
Aim to install ‘heart’ lights
Speaking to media, Jt CP Traffic R Gowda said, “Joined hands with Manipal hospitals to create awareness about heart health issues using traffic signals. Banners & pamphlets are to be used as well. 20 junctions selected to display hearts between 15-25th.”
According to sources, these heart-shaped red lights on the roads of Bengaluru have been installed by Manipal Hospitals in coordination with the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) and Bengaluru Traffic Police. All 20 signals in the city have been reworked as part of a campaign on World Heart Day.
QR codes to access emergency services
These included the red signal being in the shape of a heart, audio messages spreading awareness on heart health, and QR codes to access emergency services easily instead of dialing a number to call for it.
Along with these newly installed lights, the management at Manipal Hospitals has set up QR codes near traffic signals. When scanned, these codes will connect an affected person to an emergency number and will be redirected to ambulance services with a single click. The idea is to provide help at the click of a button during emergencies when one is unable to call and check at several places for medical help.
World Heart Day
World Heart Day, which falls on September 29, is celebrated annually to spread awareness about the importance of keeping the heart fit as it is one of the most important organs that deliver oxygen and nutrients to cells and also removes waste products. The theme of World Heart Day this year was ‘ Use Heart For Every Beat’.