Jammu, Jan 27: Administrative Secretary Health and Medical Education, Bhupinder Kumar on Friday launched the 6th edition of 108 free ambulance services magazine here.
On the occasion, the Secretary said that since its launch, the ‘108 free ambulance services’ has rendered great services to the people while transporting patients to the hospitals in emergency cases. He said that as many as 1,83,380 patients have availed of the services in Jammu & Kashmir Union Territory so far.
It is pertinent to mention here that 711 deliveries have been successfully conducted by 108 Emergency Medical Technicians at the scene and inside the ambulance.
“108 has also played a key role during the pandemic,” the Health Secretary said, adding that 12,092 Covid-19 positive patients have availed of 108 ambulance services during the pandemic so far.
Urging people to avail of the 108 services, the Health Secretary said these ambulances are fully equipped with lifesaving support and ensure safety as well better medical care to the patient. He appealed to 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 Health Secretary said the launch of the magazine shall help create massive awareness regarding 108 ambulance services among the people.
Launched on 24 March 2020, the 108 operated by BVG India Limited Group provide 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, refer cases, and inter-facility transfer services to patients in J&K.
Kumar said that out of 203 ambulances, 139 are equipped with advanced life support having oxygen support, a ventilator, an automatic external defibrillator, and fully trained paramedical staff for better patient care.
Apart from this, a disposal delivery kit, suction machine, three types of stretchers, spine board, scoop stretcher for trauma cases and collapsible stretcher for fractured patients, and C collar facility are other facilities available with these ambulances. Mushtaq Ahmed, Project Head 108 Emergency Medical Services J&K, was also present on the occasion.
