Dehradun: Approximately 50 ambulances that have run for more than 3 lakh kilometers in Uttarakhand will be replaced immediately. Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan has issued directives to form a dedicated team in the National Health Mission (NHM) to monitor the 108 ambulance service and develop a mobile app. The actual response time of ambulances will be analyzed, and monthly checks of life-saving equipment will be mandatory. Currently, 272 ambulances are operating under the 108 service in the state.
To improve the 108 ambulance service in Uttarakhand, preparations are underway to replace old and frequently breaking-down ambulances. Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan directed the immediate replacement of about 50 ambulances that have crossed 3 lakh kilometers of mileage. Additionally, a special team will be constituted within the National Health Mission (NHM) to monitor the ambulance service.
During the Expenditure Finance Committee meeting held at the Secretariat on Thursday under the chairmanship of the Chief Secretary, emphasis was laid on making the 108 ambulance service more effective. The Chief Secretary said that the ambulance service is directly linked to people’s lives; hence, vehicles must be maintained according to prescribed standards. He directed the phased replacement of old ambulances that have completed their designated lifespan without causing unnecessary delays in the process.
Analysis of Reasons for Delay:
Weekly and monthly departmental monitoring will be carried out to oversee the ambulance service. A special NHM team will analyze various aspects related to the service. The arrival time of ambulances will not be assessed merely through average response times; rather, the actual time in every case will be investigated, enabling the identification of delayed cases and corrective measures.
Monitoring Through Mobile App:
The Chief Secretary mandated monthly checks of life-saving equipment available in ambulances. Responsibilities of concerned officers and staff will also be fixed for this. To make the movement and monitoring of ambulances easier, a mobile app will be developed. Emphasis was also placed on integrating government ambulances into this system.
