New 108 ambulance fleet to hit Keralam roads by month-end: Health Minister

Thiruvananthapuram, Health Minister K Muraleedharan announced on Saturday that a new fleet of 108 ambulances will be deployed across the state of Keralam by the end of the month. Currently, 335 ambulances are being prepared for deployment and have been fitted with essential life-saving equipment in Thiruvananthapuram. The minister assured that the new fleet would soon replace the existing ageing 108 ambulances.

Muraleedharan stated that the state government has finalized all necessary procedures for registering the new ambulances, which will be released on the roads this month. The minister also mentioned that delays in releasing the vehicles were due to lapses on the part of the agency operating the ambulance service. The government will take strict action against anyone obstructing the operations of the ambulances carrying patients.

Ambulance drivers' associations have announced a protest against the operating agency regarding salary bonuses. The 108 ambulance service, operated by Kerala Medical Services Corporation Limited, comprises 315 basic life support ambulances, 14 advanced life support units, and six specialized neonatal ambulances.