Shimla : The 108 ambulance service launched across Himachal Pradesh a year ago has become a popular household name across the hill state , claims the state’s health department.
“In the last one year 90,411 patients have availed the free service of this service .There are currently 108 ambulances all over the state ,†Rajeev Bindal the state’s health minister said .
“Around 18,188 were pregnant women . Of these 527 women delivered a baby in the ambulance with the help of the para medics and equipment in the vehicle ,†said Bindal .
“There were 5654 road accident cases who were shifted to the nearest hospital by these ambulances ,†he said .
There were also even 442 snake bite cases from the lower hills of the state , of which 82 were treated in the vehicle .
The 108 ambulance service was launched a year ago . In the first launch 50 vehicles were on the road .This was followed by 50 and 8 vehicles , taking the total number of ambulances to 108 and covering all twelve districts of the state .
People can dial toll free from any corner of the state and the patient is shifted quickly to the nearest hospital free .
Photo: Amit
In a 20 year career published widely. He has worked for the BBC, AFP, The Statesman, IANS and the Business Standard . Known for his hard hitting writing and occasional off-beat stories. He lives in Shimla.
Bible Says Methus 10.8 All Of You Read this Cheptor So Call Number Is 108