Bhubaneswar: Since its inception in 2013, the 108 Emergency Medical Ambulance Service has been a beacon of hope for the residents of Odisha, providing crucial healthcare services in times of need. Launched by Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik with the aim of enhancing emergency medical care for the state’s 4.5 crore inhabitants, the service has evolved significantly over the years to meet the ever-growing demands of the population.
Under the visionary 5T framework introduced by the state government in 2019, the 108 Emergency Medical Ambulance Service underwent a transformative journey aimed at enhancing efficiency and reducing response times. A key objective was to reduce the average response time from 30 minutes to just 20 minutes, a challenge that spurred a series of strategic interventions and upgrades.
In a concerted effort to modernize the fleet and bolster performance, all 420 existing ambulances in the 108 fleet were replaced with new vehicles between October 2019 and March 2020. This initiative, aimed at minimizing travel time and vehicle breakdowns, laid the foundation for improved service delivery and enhanced capacity to respond to emergencies.
Recognizing the need for additional resources amidst the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020-21, the fleet was further reinforced with 28 new Advance Life Support (ALS) ambulances, specifically designed to handle patients with serious respiratory ailments. Moreover, to ensure comprehensive coverage and advanced care, 299 basic life support (BLS) ambulances were upgraded to ALS in May 2023, ensuring that every block in the state has access to advanced medical assistance during patient transportation.
In a continuous pursuit of excellence, an exhaustive assessment was conducted in 2023 to further refine operations and reduce response times. Subsequently, 236 new ambulances were inducted into the fleet in November 2023, bolstering efficiency and performance to unprecedented levels.
Today, the 108 Emergency Medical Ambulance Service stands as a testament to the state’s commitment to public health, with a fleet of 1366 ambulances attending to approximately 1.3 lakh patients each month. Notably, the service boasts an impressive response time of less than 20 minutes, underscoring its efficacy and responsiveness in critical situations.
Beyond the expansion of the fleet, meticulous attention has been paid to operational intricacies, including vehicle maintenance, call dispatch protocols, and call center optimization, ensuring seamless service delivery and minimal response times.
