Gujarat : 108 Emergency Service Completes 19 Years, Saves 19.66 Lakh Lives

GANDHINAGAR : When every second can mean the difference between life and death, Gujarat’s 108 Emergency Service has spent 19 years racing against the clock. From road accidents and heart attacks to childbirths and disasters, the state’s free emergency network has responded to nearly 1.99 crore cases and helped save more than 19.66 lakh lives since its launch in 2007.

Launched on August 29, 2007, the service has now entered its 20th year, evolving from an ambulance network into a comprehensive pre-hospital emergency care system. The service currently responds to an emergency every 21 seconds, while its average response time stands at 13 minutes and nine seconds.

Officials said nearly 99% of calls are answered within the first two rings, highlighting the scale and efficiency of the system. The 108 network has also travelled more than 62 crore kilometres while transporting patients to hospitals across Gujarat.

“The 108 service is not merely an ambulance service. It provides critical pre-hospital care during the golden hour and ensures that patients receive timely medical assistance before reaching hospital,” officials said.

The service has played a particularly important role in maternal and child healthcare. Over 19 years, it has attended more than 62.97 lakh pregnancy and childbirth-related emergencies, with trained emergency personnel assisting in 1,64,715 deliveries either at the scene or during transit.

The network has also responded to over 24.18 lakh road accident cases, 11.77 lakh serious respiratory emergencies and 9.87 lakh heart attack cases, providing crucial intervention before hospitalisation.

Gujarat has expanded the emergency network beyond roads. In 2022, the state introduced an integrated Air Ambulance Service in coordination with GUJSAIL and GVK EMRI. Boat ambulance services at Porbandar and Okha have also been deployed to assist fishermen and communities at sea.

The 108 network now transports an average of around 4,780 patients to hospitals every day, extending emergency healthcare to even remote parts of the state.

Meanwhile, Gujarat’s integrated 112 emergency helpline, launched a year ago, has attended more than 10 lakh emergency calls. Its control room handles around 10 calls every minute, with police, ambulance and other emergency teams dispatched within minutes.

Officials said the real strength of both systems lies in the personnel working around the clock.

“Call-centre agents, ambulance staff, drivers and police personnel work 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Their dedication makes them the unseen heroes of Gujarat,” officials said.