Pioneer News Service
Ranchi
Health Minister Dr. Irfan Ansari has announced a major overhaul of the state’s emergency healthcare system, with the government aiming to ensure ambulances reach patients within 15 minutes of receiving a distress call.
Under the initiative, the state will strengthen the 108 ambulance service by replacing older vehicles with 720 new ambulances in phases. The fleet will include 50 Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulances, 270 Basic Life Support (BLS) ambulances and 400 Patient Transport Vehicles (PTVs).
The PTV ambulances will be deployed at Community Health Centres (CHCs) and Primary Health Centres (PHCs), while ALS ambulances will be stationed at district hospitals and medical colleges to provide advanced emergency care for critically ill patients.
Dr. Ansari said the decision has been taken in line with Chief Minister Hemant Soren’s vision of improving public healthcare. He noted that smaller and more modern ambulances are better suited to Jharkhand’s rural and difficult terrain, enabling faster access to remote areas.
The Health Minister also directed officials to complete the tender process for the remaining ambulances within one month. He further said the government is planning to provide a small ambulance in every panchayat in the future to ensure timely emergency medical services even in the state’s most remote villages.
