Karnataka Health Department Takes Direct Control of 108 Ambulance Service in Mangaluru District
In a significant move to enhance emergency medical response, the health and family welfare department of Karnataka is implementing a major overhaul of the 108 emergency ambulance service across the state. As part of this initiative, Dakshina Kannada district, with its key city Mangaluru, will soon see its entire fleet of 26 ambulances brought under the direct management of the health department.
Pilot Project Success Paves Way for Expansion
The department has already commenced operations of the 108 emergency services in Chamarajnagar district on a pilot basis, testing the feasibility of direct departmental control. According to District Health Officer Dr. Thimmaiah HR, the success of this pilot run has convinced the government to expand the model statewide. The entire 108 network in Dakshina Kannada district will also be under the health department soon, Dr. Thimmaiah confirmed.
Current Fleet and Service Structure in Dakshina Kannada
Dakshina Kannada district currently operates a robust fleet under the 108 emergency service, comprising:
- 12 Basic Life Support (BLS) units for initial emergency care and transport.
- 14 Advanced Life Support (ALS) units equipped for more critical medical interventions during transit.
This infrastructure is now set for a managerial transition aimed at improving efficiency and accountability.
Addressing Years of Confusion and Operational Challenges
Dr. Thimmaiah highlighted that confusion has prevailed regarding the 108 service for approximately eight years, primarily due to its operation through external agencies. At the state level, an initiative is being taken up to improve the services of 108 ambulance services, he stated. The government's decision to implement the pilot project in Chamarajanagar was driven by the need to assess whether the service could be operated directly through the health department, rather than relying on third-party agencies.
The positive outcomes from Chamarajanagar demonstrated that the health department could manage the service effectively on its own. Consequently, initiatives to transition other districts, including Dakshina Kannada, have already begun. The government realised that the service can be managed through the department directly, and initiatives in this regard have already begun, the DHO explained.
Transition Process and Staff Recruitment Plans
As part of the transition, the emergency response team of the previous agency, along with its manager, has been transferred to the health department. Efforts are currently underway to ensure a smooth continuation of services under the new management structure.
To address existing staff shortages and bolster the service, the government is expected to grant permission for recruitment soon. Officials informed that the government will soon grant permission for recruitment of staff to address staff shortages, Dr. Thimmaiah noted. He added, The issue of staff shortages will be resolved immediately once the government grants permission to recruit staff at our level. This recruitment drive is anticipated to enhance the operational capacity and responsiveness of the 108 ambulance service in the region.
This overhaul represents a strategic shift towards more integrated and government-managed emergency healthcare services in Karnataka, with Mangaluru's Dakshina Kannada district at the forefront of this transformative change.
