Gujarat's 108 Emergency Medical Service has handled more than 1.99 crore emergency cases and helped save over 19.66 lakh lives since its launch on 29 August 2007, according to figures released by the state government covering the period up to August 2026. The free ambulance service has now entered its 20th year of operation, marking a significant milestone in public healthcare delivery across the state.

Scale of Operations Over 19 Years

Of the more than 1.99 crore total cases handled, over 1.96 crore were medical emergencies, more than 2.55 lakh were police-related, and over 8,000 involved fire-related incidents, according to government data. The service has responded to more than 62.97 lakh pregnancy and maternity-related emergencies, over 24.18 lakh road accident cases, more than 11.77 lakh serious respiratory cases, and over 9.87 lakh heart attack cases. The ambulance fleet has collectively covered more than 62 crore kilometres over the 19-year period.

Current Fleet and Infrastructure

Jaswant Prajapati, Chief Operating Officer of GVR EMRI in Ahmedabad, said the service currently operates around 800 road ambulances, 38 intensive care units on wheels, two boat ambulances, and one air ambulance across Gujarat. Ambulances from 586 government health centres have been integrated into the system, bringing the total operational fleet to around 1,500 ambulances running round the clock. An advanced Emergency Response Centre at Naroda-Kathwada in Ahmedabad coordinates all dispatches.

Response Times and On-Ground Reach

A 108 ambulance is dispatched every 21 seconds on average across Gujarat, with a reported average response time of 13 minutes and 9 seconds. The service currently transports an average of 4,780 patients to hospitals every day. Rajendra Singh Sodha, a driver with the service, attributed timely arrivals to GPS systems and familiarity with local roads. 'We try to take shorter routes wherever possible and make every effort to reach patients as quickly as possible while driving carefully,' he said.

Medical Equipment and Care En Route

Ambulances carry equipment to manage critical emergencies during what is known as the 'golden hour' — the window immediately after a medical crisis during which treatment is most effective. Medical technician Shailesh Thakor noted that the vehicles are equipped with automated external defibrillators (AEDs), monitors, ventilators, and airway-management devices. Staff also administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) when patients deteriorate during transport, he added.

Origins and Human Impact

The service was launched on 29 August 2007 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi when he served as Gujarat's Chief Minister, making it one of the first state-level emergency medical services of its scale in India. Beneficiaries continue to credit the service with life-saving outcomes. Ashok Sadhu, an Ahmedabad resident, said the ambulance's swift arrival played a decisive role in saving his brother's life. 'The ambulance arrived so quickly that it felt as though divine messengers have come to help,' he said. As the service enters its third decade, its expanding fleet and integrated response infrastructure signal continued growth in Gujarat's emergency healthcare capacity.