The Gujarat government on Friday released staggering figures highlighting the monumental impact of its round-the-clock 108 emergency service. Since its launch, the lifeline has responded to a colossal 1.86 crore (18.6 million) emergency calls, becoming an indispensable part of the state's public safety and healthcare infrastructure.
A Lifeline for Mothers and Accident Victims
The data reveals the critical nature of the service's interventions. A significant portion, over 60.23 lakh (6.023 million) calls, were related to maternity emergencies. Furthermore, the service provided urgent medical assistance to more than 22.55 lakh (2.255 million) road accident victims, offering crucial aid during the golden hour.
In life-and-death situations, the government stated that the service has been instrumental in saving the lives of over 18 lakh (1.8 million) citizens. A remarkable achievement has been in maternal care, where ambulance-based and on-site assistance enabled the successful delivery of over 1.57 lakh (157,000) babies. This includes 97,295 deliveries conducted inside ambulances and 59,903 at emergency locations.
Expanding Reach: Boat Ambulances and Integrated Services
Innovating to meet Gujarat's unique geographical challenges, the state introduced the 108 boat ambulance service in 2018. This aquatic arm of emergency care has so far provided assistance to 758 citizens, with two boat ambulances currently operational, ensuring help reaches even remote coastal and riverine areas.
Building on the success of 108, Gujarat has also rolled out an advanced, integrated emergency response system. The integrated 112 emergency service, operational since 2025 in seven districts, acts as a single number for all major emergencies. This unified command center has already attended to over 4 lakh (400,000) emergency calls related to:
- Police assistance
- Fire emergencies
- Medical crises
- Disaster response
A Model of Public Service Efficiency
The figures released by the Gujarat government underscore the 108 service's evolution from a mere ambulance service to a comprehensive emergency response ecosystem. The integration of various emergency services under the 112 umbrella represents a forward leap in public safety coordination. The service's massive scale of operations, particularly in handling maternity cases and road accidents, highlights its critical role in strengthening the state's healthcare delivery and reducing preventable deaths. It stands as a testament to how technology-driven, citizen-centric initiatives can create a tangible, life-saving impact on a population of millions.
