Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Cabinet has approved the Emergency Medical Ambulance Services (EMAS) scheme for implementation from 2023-24 to 2027-28. The initiative, a joint effort between the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, and the Government of Odisha, aims to provide comprehensive pre-hospital emergency medical services to the people of Odisha.
The EMAS, also known as the ‘108’ service, has been operational in Odisha since March 5, 2013, and has proven to be a lifeline for the state’s residents. The service is managed and monitored through a 24/7 centralized call center and has a fleet of 866 ambulances, including Advanced Life Support (ALS), Basic Life Support (BLS), and boat ambulances.
The scheme’s second phase, which spans five years, is expected to cater to around 11-12 lakh emergency patients, including pregnant women and children, with a response time of 20 minutes. The project will be implemented through a private agency selected via an open tender process, with financing on a reimbursement basis.
A sum of Rs. 239845.26 lakh has been allocated for the scheme’s implementation over the next five years. The EMAS has been instrumental in providing free emergency medical services to the people of Odisha, and its continuation is expected to further enhance the state’s healthcare infrastructure.
