Ahmedabad, Dec 19 (NationPress) The 108 Emergency Service in Gujarat has become a crucial lifeline for countless individuals, acting as a steadfast shield for citizens during medical crises and accidents.

Initiated in 2007 by then Chief Minister and current Prime Minister Narendra Modi, this groundbreaking healthcare initiative has developed into a standard for other states to emulate.

Now available 24/7 at no cost, the 108 Emergency Service reaches every city, district, taluka, and even the most isolated villages in the state, proving to be a godsend for millions of Gujaratis.

Since its launch, by November 2025, the service has responded to an astounding 18.6 crore emergency calls, ensuring prompt medical care in urgent situations.

Among these calls, over 60.23 lakh were related to maternity emergencies, while more than 22.55 lakh individuals involved in road accidents received immediate medical help.

In critical moments, the service has successfully saved the lives of over 18 lakh people.

The positive impact is particularly noticeable in maternal healthcare. The ambulance-based and onsite assistance has facilitated the safe delivery of over 1.57 lakh babies, including 97,295 deliveries carried out in ambulances and 59,903 at emergency sites, significantly improving maternal and neonatal care across the state.

Besides the 108 service, Gujarat has broadened its emergency response network with several supportive initiatives.

The Khikhilat Van service, operational since September 2012, has aided over 13.7 crore beneficiaries through its 434 mobile units. The 181 Women Helpline, launched in 2015, has responded to more than 17.40 lakh calls, with 59 vans providing immediate assistance to over 3.47 lakh women in crisis.

The state's healthcare outreach was further reinforced with the launch of the 104 Health Helpline in 2017, which has handled over 52.29 lakh calls by 2025, providing medical advice and support.

Additionally, Gujarat introduced the 108 Boat Ambulance Service in 2018, which has already delivered emergency assistance to 758 individuals, with two boat ambulances currently in operation.

The integrated 112 Emergency Service, active since 2025 in seven districts, has attended to more than four lakh emergency calls relating to police, fire, medical, and disaster responses.

According to EMRI Green Health Services, the managing agency for these operations, Gujarat's multi-layered emergency response framework represents the state's unwavering dedication to citizen safety, timely healthcare access, and effective emergency management, establishing it as one of the most robust emergency service models in India.