'108' emergency helpline completes 108 days today

Dehra Dun, Sep 1 (UNI) Tasked with reaching those in dire need of aid, emergency helpline '108' has proved to be a boon for the people of Uttarakhand, reaching them in the most remote and rocky corners of the state as it completes 108 days in service today.

The emergency service initiated by the Hyderabad based Emergency Management and Research Institute (EMRI) with the Uttarakhand government, had received 8,000 emergency calls and provided free emergency medical care to 4,000 victims till date through its toll free number 108.

Today, fifteen new ambulances would be added to the existing fleet of 30 and by the year's end, a total of 90 ambulances would be functioning across the Kumaon and Garhwal regions, Health Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank told mediapersons.

On a regular day, the EMRI handles on an average of 72 emergencies and strives to reach the victims before time.

EMRI started its operations through an MoU signed with 307 hospitals in Uttarakhand to provide free services for medical, fire and police emergencies.

The service was launched on May 29 this year with ten ambulances in Devprayag, Byasi, Srinagar, Karanprayag, Dharasu, Barkot, Guptkashi, Augustmuni, Chamoli and Joshimath.

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