Delivering hope: 108 Ambulance service a lifeline for expecting moms in remote hills
With an average of one newborn arriving every nine hours, the National Ambulance Service has emerged as a vital lifeline for expectant mothers, particularly in the remote and hard-to-reach regions of Himachal Pradesh. The 108 Ambulance service—operated by the Medswan Foundation in collaboration with the Government of Himachal Pradesh and the National Health Mission (NHM)—has achieved a remarkable milestone by assisting in over 3,060 safe deliveries, either inside ambulances or at emergency locations, since its launch on January 15, 2022.
During this period, the service has responded to 4,27,295 medical emergencies across the state, with 77,964 pregnancy-related emergencies navigating the rugged Himalayan terrain to receive timely care.
The ambulance service has played a transformative role in reducing maternal and neonatal mortality rates, aligning with the state’s broader public health goals. “Equipped with skilled Emergency Medical Technicians, trained ambulance pilots, and essential delivery kits, the service ensures safe childbirths even in the most challenging situations,” said Suresh Kumar, an official from the Medswan Foundation. “In many cases, when mothers in labour were being referred to higher medical facilities due to complications, deliveries occurred en route under the expertise of the 108 ambulance team.”
The service has not only provided critical pre-hospital obstetric care but also facilitated access to institutional healthcare, averting life-threatening complications. “By bridging the gap in emergency response, NAS-108 has significantly bolstered Himachal Pradesh’s health indices despite its mountainous terrain and scattered settlements,” Kumar added.
Beyond the statistics, every delivery attended by the ambulance service tells a story of resilience, relief, and new beginnings—bringing hope and smiles to thousands of families. The service’s trained personnel and robust emergency response infrastructure have redefined pre-hospital maternal care, proving that timely intervention can be the difference between life and loss.
In tribal-dominated districts like Chamba, where geographical challenges are acute, 6,640 pregnancy-related emergencies were handled and 238 deliveries were assisted. In Lahaul and Spiti, 171 such emergencies were reported with 26 resulting in deliveries aided by ambulance staff. Kinnaur recorded 856 emergencies and 51 deliveries.
District-wise, the highest number of deliveries were assisted in Sirmaur (809), followed by Shimla (581), Solan (343), Kullu (312), and Chamba (238). In larger districts like Kangra, the number stood at 121, and in Mandi, it was 307. Smaller districts like Hamirpur and Bilaspur saw 76 and 84 assisted deliveries, respectively.
