Residents coping with Bangalore’s infamous road congestion were recently greeted with heart-shaped traffic lights. Installed by the city’s famed Manipal Hospitals – the new signals are a part of a series of initiatives that raise awareness around heart health. Here’s all about it. By Eshita Srinivas
As many as 15 traffic signals around Bangalore lit up with heart-shaped symbols earlier this week. Soon enough, images of the same set the interwebs ablaze. Reports suggest that these have been fitted by Manipal Hospitals in consultation with the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) and the Bengaluru Traffic Police. The motive? To transform the IT-hub into a heart-smart city – an initiative that began on the occasion of World Heart Day on September 29.
Bangalore traffic lights now have QR codes for emergency services
On the occasion of #WorldHeartDay, Manipal Hospitals installed innovations to encourage Bangalore to be a ‘heart smart city’. pic.twitter.com/cYSJPKx4uC
— Manipal Hospitals | #TogetherStronger (@ManipalHealth) October 2, 2022
As per reports by World Health Organization (WHO), India has the highest rate of coronary artery disease. It also has a higher rate of cardiovascular disease, especially amongst the younger population. This initiative aims to spread awareness regarding the same, while offering tangible solutions. Up to 20 junctions have been chosen to display these between 15-25 October as well. That’s not all, Manipal Hospitals further noted that the management had placed QR codes close to several traffic lights.
Bengaluru | City to display heart symbol in traffic lights
Joined hands with Manipal hospitals to create awareness about heart health issues using traffic signals. Banner & pamphlets to be used as well. 20 junctions selected to display hearts b/w 15-25th: Jt CP Traffic, R Gowda pic.twitter.com/4JC17WcE0w
— ANI (@ANI) October 11, 2022
These, when scanned, connect to an ambulance service through an emergency number. The idea, a Live Mint report notes, is to offer assistance at the touch of a button in times of need. This, especially, when medical assistance is hard to find elsewhere. According to tweets and comments on social media – a few places to spot these signals are the Hope Farm Junction, Jayanagar Jain Temple, and JP Nagar.
Feature and hero image: Manipal Hospitals
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Written By
Eshita Srinivas
Eshita is a food, alcohol, travel, and entertainment writer who spends her days zeroing in on the next big trend to write about. She’s a communication graduate with bylines in Conde Nast Traveller India, GQ India, Deccan Herald, and Girls Buzz. When not at work, you’re likely to find her hunting for a good read or charting out the perfect itinerary ..Read More
