HAMIRPUR (HP): While the people of district Hamirpur in Himachal Pradesh were enjoying their
sleep, good Samaritans were out on the zig-zag roads and streets catering to emergency calls of
people in desperate need of medical attention during Carona pandemic. Anytime, anywhere bearing
the vagaries of climate, 108 Emergency Services stand guard in their position as alert as ever to
accept the challenge of COVID-19.
Better known as the ‘Wheel of Hope’ the 108 emergency services were launched in 2016 in
the State of Himachal Pradesh and since then it has been performing tremendously. As per official’s
data 2, 893 carona postive patients in the district have been taken to hospitals and carona care
centres by this emergency services while 42, 071 patients have been taken carona patients to
hospitals and carona care centres across the State.
During pandemic the services have also done well. It took them from home to health
institutions. In case of any complication, they were transferred to provide higher medical health
facility.
The official of the National Health Mission, told that 2, 22, 759 samples were collected for
carona test through 108 emergency services across the State and in Hamirpur district alone the
number of samples for carona test stood at 31, 041. Besides, it has also provided free-of-cost
transportation to new born for higher medical facility and dropped at home after treatment. The
services have also proved boon in a number of accident cases and over 150 such cases were taken to
hospitals for emeergency treatment and thus saved many precious lives.
Its head Mohul Sukumaran said that all 108 vans in the district were equipped with all
medical services inside. During the more than carona pandemic period, its employees had
performed outstanding by providing 24x7 services to the people of the district. The official also
revealed that they have also taken feedback about the services from the patients and 100 per cent
were satisfied with the services provided to them even on holidays.
“I do not much interested about holiday because my presence can help save a precious
life, ” said one of the staff members of 108 services.
Mr Sukumaran said that it was an emergency service and it required for 24x7 and 365
days’ dutyin a year. The van reached the spot minimum time of six minutes.
Recently, the deputy commissioner, Hamirpur, has awarded outperformers of 108
emergency services employees. Puja Kumar has been given best EMT award while Sanjeev Kumar
has been awarded with Best Pilot award. While presenting the awary the deputy commissioner Ms
Debasweta Banik has appreciated the work of duty-bound employees and added they have set an
example of utiring performance of duties.