Cops launch drive on easing ambulance movement on Mumbai roads

Mumbai police today launched an initiative to raise awareness among the citizens about allowing swift plying of ambulances through traffic snarls so that they proceed to hospital without any hassles and patients promptly get medical aid.
The Mumbai Traffic Police's drive titled 'Make Way for Ambulance' was today launched here by Police Commissioner Rakesh Maria with Bollywood actress Rani Mukherjee being the Chief Guest.
Describing it as probably one of the most ambitious and prestigious programmes undertaken by police, Maria said, "The entire might of the city police shall be behind the initiative to make it a success."
"Most of the time police come into picture when a person is dead. We would now like to play an active role in saving a life. We need to educate the citizens about the importance of the 'golden hour', which will ensure whether the person is going to live or die."

Making an appeal to the citizens to be part of the drive, Maria stated, "Life and death are not in the hands of humans, but at least we can play our part to ensure the medical aid reaches the patient on time. Let's take a pledge that we will clear our way for an ambulance whenever we hear the siren so that the emergency vehicle reaches the hospital faster."
Explaining the role of traffic police in the initiative, he said, "Ambulance service providers are requested to dial the number 8879221100 and inform the police whenever they fetch a critical patient. We will ensure that ambulances touch the destination by clearing the route it would ply."

Mukherjee, who also pledged to give way to ambulance, said, "I am sure the phenomenal drive succeeds and should be taken up in other parts of country. I have come across such scenes where ambulances are stuck in packed roads in the city. Due to this campaign, I think there will be a huge difference.