How 108 Ambulance Service Became a Lifeline for Mothers and More

Suhail Khan

Srinagar, Dec 30: Through rapid emergency response and skilled pre-hospital care, the 108 Free Emergency Ambulance Service in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir has facilitated the safe delivery of over 1,384 newborns inside its ambulances over the past five years.

In an exclusive conversation with Kashmir Convener, Mushtaq Ahmad, Project Head of Jammu and Kashmir Emergency Medical Services (JKEMS), highlighted the scope of the service. He stated that the total number of patients served by the 108 ambulance from 2020 to 2025 illustrates a service that has become indispensable. While these special “ambulance births” capture public attention, they represent only one aspect of a much larger mission.

During the same period, the service responded to a staggering 116,828 pregnancy-related emergencies, ensuring timely care and transport for mothers in need.

“The birth of a child in an ambulance is not just a statistic; it’s a story of hope, precision, and lifesaving intervention,” said Dr. Mushtaq. “Our teams are trained to act as a bridge to the hospital, providing expert stabilization and delivery support when time is of the essence. Every one of these 1,384 babies is a symbol of our commitment to maternal and neonatal health.”

Data accessed by Kashmir Convener further reveals that the total number of patients served has more than doubled, rising from 69,233 in 2020 to 157,191 in 2025, demonstrating the public’s growing reliance on the service.

Beyond maternity care, the ambulances have been crucial in handling 41,947 trauma cases, 22,091 fire-related emergencies, and the transport of 2,310 critically ill ventilator-dependent patients.

Speaking with Kashmir Convener, Musadik, an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), said, “This is a truly vital service for the people, especially for those who cannot afford private ambulance services during critical health emergencies.”

“The 108 service is just a call away. We are here for the people, and they should fully benefit from it,” he added.

Mudassir, a driver with the 108 service, is an unsung hero who performed commendably during the COVID-19 wave, which coincided with the launch of this service.

Recalling the pandemic, Mudassir said, “Every day, I used to transport four to five patients from one hospital to another, often alone, at a time when even family members hesitated to come near their loved ones.”

“We dedicated ourselves entirely to public service. I still remember those difficult days when I couldn’t touch my own family members despite being with them, for fear of transmitting the virus,” Mudassir added.

Javed Ahmad, a driver who covers parts of North Kashmir, including Sopore, noted that within the department, they are referred to as “the real pilots.” “This service is completely dedicated to providing relief to the people,” he said.

Javed explained that after patients are dropped off, customer service executives follow up to ensure that no driver requested or accepted any payment. “This is completely a free service,” he emphasized.

A local physician, Dr. Aftab Ahmad, affirmed this, stating, “The 108 ambulances are a genuine relief for patients.”