Manipur State Health launched GPS fitted `102 Ambulance Service`

IMPHAL, April 4: With the aim of reducing the mortality rate of mother and infant in the state, a scheme called `102 Ambulance Service`™ having around 40 ambulances fitted with GPS facility was formally launched during a function organized by State Health Society at Lamlong Bazar near Urban Co-operative Bank, Imphal East today.

The `102 Ambulance Service`™ which will be available round the clock is a public-private model under JSSK scheme.

Another 12 ambulances fitted with GPS will also be joining the service under the scheme.

Heirang Info, a call centre has been set up to facilitate the ambulance service which will provide be free transportation of patients. Patient parties can dial 102 to avail the service. Staff of the centre will inform the beneficiaries about the nearest ambulance service available to them.

MLA of Khurai Constituency Dr Ng Bijoy who is also the Chairman of Manipur Pollution Control Board inaugurated the GPS tracking system at the call centre located at Khurai. The GPS installed will track the service of the ambulances across the state.

Speaking on the occasion as chief guest, MLA Bijoy asserted that the problem faced by the state for the last many years regarding absence of quick and effective ambulance service will be overcome with the launching of the `102 Ambulance Service`™.

He lamented that people have come across many painful situations in the past while trying to admit patients in health centres due to the absence of such service.

Lauding the Health Department for being instrumental in making the ambulance service a reality, the MLA said that the service will boost the health sector in the state.

Director of State Health Society and Health Mission who was present at the occasion said that to launch an effective ambulance service to facilitate healthcare system in the state was a long cherished dream of Health Services which has now materialized.

Informing that the number of delivery points in the state has been increased to 60 which is a sharp increase in number in the last two years, he said that the `102 Ambulance Service`™ is also loaded with other necessary medical equipments including delivery set.

He went to inform that ASHA workers or ANM nurse will accompany pregnant patient in the ambulance in taking to the nearest delivery points like PHC, CHC or PHSC.