Free 108 Ambulance Services Takes the Lead!
Suhail Khan
SRINAGAR, Feb 9: “108 Ambulance,” an initiative of the government in a public-private partnership with BVG India Limited, has proved a boon to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, as 187432 patients were served since its launch in the union territory in March 2020.
Talking exclusively to Kashmir Despatch, Mushtaq Ahmad, project head of Jammu and Kashmir Emergency Medical Services (JKEMS), said that the total number of patients who were served through this 108 ambulance is 187432.
According to the officer, there were 88320 medical-related incidents, 57723 pregnant-related cases, 26941, animal attacks, and 12092 patients affected by COVID-19.
The project manager said the big achievement was that 720 women delivered their babies in the ambulance from March 24, 2020, to February 8, 2023.
“These women were from Budgam 11, Bandipora 19, Baramulla 13, Doda 59, Ganderbal 19, Jammu 64, Kautha 80, Kishtwar 49, Kulgam 15, Kupwara 22, Pulwama 5, Poonch 8, Rajouri 58, Ramban 52, Resai 40, Samba 31, Shopian 07, Srinagar 05, Udhampur 158.”
The officer said 203 ambulances have been stationed across the UT, with 108 in Jammu and 95 in Kashmir. He said there are 139 ambulances with advanced support and the rest, 65, are basic ones.
Pertinently, the 108 service was launched as an emergency during COVID-19, but due to work and relief to the people, the government continued this service.
Musadik, one of the EMTs (Emergency Medical Technicians), told this reporter that this is really a great service for the people, especially those who can’t afford ambulance service during their worst times when they face any health issue.
“The 108 service is just a call away. We are for the people, and they should benefit from this service,” he said.
Mudassir, a driver with the 108 service, is a real unsung hero who did a commendable job during the COVID wave, a time when this service was launched.
Narrating the COVID pandemic situation, Mudassir said that every day he used to carry four to five patients from one hospital to another and that too alone when their family members would hesitate to touch their loved ones.
“We dedicated the service to the people, and I still remember those harsh days when I wasn’t able to touch my family members despite being in front of them because I was afraid of transmitting COVID to others,” Mudassir added.
Javed Ahmad, a driver who used to cover North Kashmir’s Sopore parts, said that in the department they are called “the real pilots.” “This service is completely dedicated to the people for their relief,” he said.
Javed said that once they drop patients at their respective places, then the patients are approached by the customer service executive to get feedback if the driver had not taken money or charged them.
“This is completely a free service. 108 ambulances are a relief for patients,” said a local physician, Aftab Ahmad.
Suhail Khan is a filmmaker, content writer, and freelance journalist.
