The Economics of Emergency Care
The 108 Ambulance Service
How the free 108 emergency ambulance service began in Andhra Pradesh in 2005 and spread across India through public-private partnerships.
108 is India’s emergency ambulance number in most states.
Origins
The 108 service began in Andhra Pradesh in 2005, run by EMRI (Emergency Management and Research Institute).
Spread
Most states adopted 108 through public-private partnerships, with operators like GVK EMRI and Ziqitza.
Free service
Ambulances are free for patients.
102
Many states run 102 ambulances for pregnant women and infants.
Challenges
- Response times vary.
- Some ambulances lack advanced equipment or trained staff.
112
India’s 112 number integrates police, fire and ambulance emergencies.
A family calls 108 after an accident, and a free ambulance takes the injured to hospital.
108 is free.
- 108 began in Andhra Pradesh in 2005.
- It spread through PPPs.
- It's free.
- 102 serves pregnant women.
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