After strengthening tourism, agriculture, infrastructure, and industrial sectors, Rajasthan is geared up for challenges in the health industry. From offering free treatment under Bhamashah Swasthya Bima Yojana to improving basic infrastructure in the hospitals, and increasing funds for better health care, the state is speeding towards its dream of ‘Fit and Healthy Rajasthan.’ This Friday, the Rajasthan health department flagged off 100 new 108 ambulances to get one step closer to their goals.
The health officials have frequently received complaints regarding the dilapidated condition of old ambulances. These 108 ambulances desperately needed repair. The health department, having received a series of complaints, decided to discard old vehicles that had completed their life cycle. The department already disposed of 79 old ambulances. They’ll discard 21 more ambulances in future.
To ensure that all patients receive uninterrupted emergency services, Rajasthan Health Minister Kalicharan Saraf flagged off 100 new 108 ambulances on Friday. 34 out of these were immediately deployed on duty, whereas the remaining 66 will be launched in a phase-wise manner.
Minister Saraf took this opportunity to felicitate seven ambulance staffs for their exemplary services. Gone are the days when ambulances arrived late. The modern 108 ambulances, furnished with cutting-edge technology, arrive at the emergency spot within 22 minutes in the urban region and 25 minutes in rural areas. All GPS-enabled ambulances are linked to medical call centers that direct them to the accurate location, in the case of emergencies.
The new 108 ambulances will provide immediate transportation to victims of mass casualties, road/ highway accidents, snake bite, heart attack, burn cases, poisoning, police fire and other emergencies. On the contrary, the 104 Janani Express will cater to the needs of pregnant women. These vehicles will handle all pregnancy-related cases (both pre and post birth). Additionally, they’ll provide transportation of sick, malnourished or medically-referred children.
With these changes, the government of Rajasthan has successfully shed off the ‘BIMARU’ tag that was long-attached to the state.
