Launch of Expanded 102/108 Ambulance Services (Referral Transport Services) in Sikkim
Gangtok, August 21: The Health and Family Welfare Department, Government of Sikkim, under the leadership of the Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Prem Singh Tamang (Golay) and in the presence of the Hon’ble Health Minister Shri G.T. Dhungel, today officially launched the expansion of the 102/108 Ambulance Services (Referral Transport Services) under the National Health Mission (NHM).
Also present on the occasion were Mr. Tshewang Gyachho, IAS, Secretary Health and Family Welfare Department, along with Principal Directors, MS STNM, Chief Engineer (Mechanical), Directors, Additional Secretary, Additional Directors, officials from the Health Department, and the entire team from the Mechanical Cell.
The Hon’ble Chief Minister flagged off the newly expanded fleet of ambulances, marking a major milestone in strengthening emergency healthcare delivery in the state.
The 102 and 108 Ambulance Services are call centre-based, 24x7 emergency referral transport services available free of cost through toll-free numbers 102 and 108.
102 ambulances are primarily meant for pregnant women and sick neonates (up to 1 year of age).
108 ambulances cater to trauma and emergency patients.
In Sikkim, both services have been integrated into a single ambulance system for optimum utilization.
These ambulances are Basic Life Support (BLS) vehicles, equipped with essential medical equipment and life-support kits, and are manned by trained drivers and paramedics.
The service was first introduced in the West District in 2018 with 8 ambulances, implemented through a service provider. Recognizing healthcare as a priority sector, the Government has now expanded the service with the addition of 9 new ambulances, which will be deployed as follows:
Gangtok District – 1
Pakyong District – 2
Namchi District – 6
Key Features of the 102/108 Ambulance Services:
Free pick-up and drop services to designated health facilities
Inter-facility transfer of patients, when required
Drop-back service for postnatal mothers after delivery
Pick-up and drop-back service for sick infants up to 1 year of age
The expansion of the 102/108 Ambulance Services reflects the Government’s strong commitment to ensuring accessible, timely, and free healthcare transport for the people of Sikkim.