The 108 Emergency Service in Gujarat has served as a critical lifeline for millions since its inception in August 2007 by then Chief Minister Narendra Modi. Currently overseen by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, this round-the-clock, free emergency medical assistance service has transformed emergency response across Gujarat, covering varied needs from childbirth to road accidents and disaster management.
5 Key Project Details of Gujarat’s 108 Emergency Service
The 108 Emergency Service operates under the aegis of the Gujarat State Emergency Medical Services Authority (GSEMSA), with technical support from the central government’s National Health Mission. As of June 2025, the service has handled over 17.9 million emergency calls, including 5.8 million childbirth-related emergencies and 2.1 million road accident cases. The project cost, supported by both state and central funds, exceeded ₹350 crore over the past decade for ambulance procurement, staff training, and technology upgrades. The service runs 24/7 with a fleet of more than 1,200 ambulances and 434 mobile medical units (MMUs) active since September 2012.
7 Districts with Highest 108 Emergency Service Usage
Urban districts such as Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara, and Rajkot report the highest volume of emergency calls due to dense populations and traffic. Rural districts like Kutch, Banaskantha, and Dahod have also shown significant usage growth with improved ambulance coverage and outreach. Notably, the Ahmedabad district has pioneered integration between the 108 service and other health initiatives, increasing efficiency in emergency responses.
4 Direct Benefits to Gujarat Citizens
- Rapid Medical Response: The average ambulance response time in major cities is under 20 minutes, significantly reducing mortality in critical cases.
- Comprehensive Assistance: Services include childbirth emergency care, trauma treatment, and COVID-19 patient transport, backed by trained paramedics and doctors.
- Specialized Helplines: The 181 Women Helpline has addressed over 1.6 million calls, providing crucial support for women facing domestic violence or health emergencies.
- Inclusive Coverage: The 108 Boat Ambulance launched in 2018 serves communities in Saurashtra’s coastal and riverine areas, assisting 756 patients so far.
3 Current Status Highlights and Upcoming Milestones
As of mid-2025, the 112 Emergency Service, launched in 2019 across seven districts including Surat and Gandhinagar, has managed over 15 million calls integrating police, fire, and medical emergencies under a single number. The government is investing ₹50 crore in upgrading the call center infrastructure with AI-powered triage systems and GPS tracking to reduce ambulance dispatch times further. Training programs for 1,500 paramedics and drivers are scheduled in Vadodara and Rajkot by September 2025 to maintain service quality. Expansion plans aim to cover all 33 districts with the 112 system by 2027.
4 Reasons Why Gujarat Needed the 108 Emergency Service
Before 2007, Gujarat’s emergency medical response was fragmented and limited to urban hospitals, leaving rural and tribal populations underserved. The state’s unique geography, including the long 2,340 km coastline and remote areas of Kutch and Dang, demanded a well-coordinated system. High rates of road accidents, maternal mortality, and natural disasters underscored the need for accessible and swift medical aid. The state’s ongoing public health campaigns also highlighted gaps in emergency care, prompting the government to build a robust system that integrates multiple emergency helplines effectively.
Gujarat’s 108 Emergency Service exemplifies a successful public health infrastructure project that saves lives daily. Its integration with other helplines like 104 Health Helpline (handling over 5.1 million calls since 2017) and the 181 Women Helpline demonstrates a holistic approach to emergency response. Furthermore, collaborations with district health authorities in Ahmedabad, Surat, and Junagadh ensure continuous monitoring and improvement of service delivery.
As Gujarat prepares to launch new healthcare initiatives such as the Health Review Centre in June 2025, the 108 Emergency Service remains a foundational pillar in the state’s public health ecosystem, providing timely, reliable, and free emergency care to its citizens.
Official Resources: For assistance, citizens can contact the 108 Emergency Service helpline at 108 any time. Further information and updates are available on the Gujarat State Emergency Medical Services Authority website gsesma.gujarat.gov.in and the Gujarat Health Department portal.