Secy Health launches 7th edition of 108 free ambulance services magazine

SRINAGAR, AUGUST 24: Secretary Health and Medical Education (H&ME), Bhupinder Kumar today launched the 7th edition of 108 free ambulance services magazine here.

Speaking on the occasion, the Secretary said that since launch, the ‘108 free ambulance services’ has rendered great services to the people while transporting patients to hospitals in emergency cases. He said that more than 2,30,000 patients have availed this service so far.

“108 has also played a key role during the pandemic,” the Secretary said, adding that 12,110 Covid-19 positive patients availed 108 ambulance services during the pandemic.

Urging people to avail of the 108 services, the Bhupinder Kumar said these ambulances are fully equipped with lifesaving support and ensure safety as well as better medical care to the patient. He appealed people to feel free to call on 108 toll-free number in case of any emergency to transport any patient to the nearest hospital which is far better than carrying him in a private vehicle.

Praising 108 services for coming up with a magazine, the Secretary said that the launch of magazine shall help generate awareness regarding 108 ambulance services among the people.

The Secretary also said that out of 203 ambulances, 139 are equipped with advanced life support having oxygen support, ventilator, an automatic external defibrillator, and fully trained paramedical staff for better patient care.

Pertinently , 887 deliveries have been successfully conducted by 108 Emergency Medical Technicians at the scene and inside the ambulance. During the ongoing Shri Amarnathji Yatra, 108 ambulance service provided assistance to 531 Amarnath Pilgrims. These cases included 390 medical emergencies, 71 trauma cases, 25 vehicular road accident cases, 5 cases of intoxication/poisoning, 40 other emergencies, and 6 critical patients who were shifted on ventilator support. 16 ambulances with advanced life support and basic life support capabilities at various base camp hospitals and medical aid centres have been deployed, demonstrating a commitment to providing quality pre-hospital care to the pilgrims.

Launched on 24th March, 2020, the 108 ambulances, operated by BVG India Limited Group provides free of cost ambulance services in every district of Jammu and Kashmir. There are presently 203 fully equipped ambulances providing pick-up services in emergency cases, referral cases, and inter-facility transfer services to patients in J&K.