Maharashtra's ambitious Emergency Medical Services initiative was launched today by Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan.
"Over 970 ambulances will be deployed in the state and will provide service free of charge," the chief minister said.
Chavan inaugurated the service at a function at the Marine Drive near the Police Gymkhana in south Mumbai.
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The EMS project envisages that citizens will be able to dial 108 in case of an emergency to call for a free ambulance service. Of the total number of ambulances to be deployed, 233 are advanced life support ambulances.
Every ambulance will be equipped with a doctor and para-medic staff. In urban areas, the ambulance will be available at the accident spot within 20 minutes, while in rural areas it will reach within 30 minutes.
In Mumbai, 70 ambulances will be deployed immediately. Thereafter, another 70 will be added, Health Minister Suresh Shetty said.
