Pune: Maharashtra Public Health and Family Welfare Minister Eknath Shinde while speaking at a felicitation ceremony of 108 doctors and pilots held at the headquarters of Sangvi said that 108 ambulance service, which was launched to provide immediate medical assistance to Road Traffic Accident (RTA) victims or those in a medical emergency, is a lifeline of the State.
Datta Gaikwad, Vice President of BVG and Dnyaneshwar Shelke, Chief Executive Officer of Maharashtra Emergency Medical Services were also present.
Shinde said that 108 ambulances have helped thousands of citizens. “This service has made it possible to save lives of 43 lakh 15 thousand and 9 patients through 937 ambulances from 2014 to August 2019. Immediate medical assistance is given to anyone who dials 108 from the accident spot. This service is free for all and about 33,000 babies have been successfully delivered in an ambulance under 108 staff and observation,” said Shinde.
These ambulances played a vital role during floods in Sangli, Kolhapur, Satara and Pune for transporting thousands of people to the hospital.
Maharashtra Emergency Medical Service operates 24 ambulances in Sangli district. There are 36 ambulances operating in Kolhapur district. Simultaneously 32 ambulances are operating in Satara district. Ten additional ambulances were dispatched to Kolhapur, Sangli and Satara due to critical flood situation. During this, a baby was also delivered in the ambulance.
Dr Dnyaneshwar Shelke said, “Overall 937 ambulances are operational in the State. Also, two years ago, a bike ambulance service was started in Mumbai. So far, 22,000 patients have been saved through this bike ambulance service. After the success of bike ambulance, it was expanded and at present, a total of 30 bike ambulances are operating in the State. There are 18 bike ambulances in Mumbai, 5 each in Palghar and Amravati and 1 each in Solapur and Gadchiroli.”
Helping citizens in need across Maharashtra
Maharashtra Emergency Medical Service operates 24 ambulances in Sangli district. There are 36 ambulances operating in Kolhapur district. Simultaneously 32 ambulances are operating in Satara district. Ten additional ambulances were dispatched to Kolhapur, Sangli and Satara due to floods. During this, a baby was also delivered in the ambulance.
