Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Cabinet on Wednesday approved the Emergency Medical Ambulance Services (EMAS) scheme for implementation from 2023-24 to 2027-28.
The initiative, a joint effort between the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, and the Odisha government, aims to provide comprehensive pre-hospital emergency medical services to the people of the state, Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja told reporters after the Cabinet meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.
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.
Phase II of the scheme, which spans five years, is likely 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.
An amount 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.
