Chandigarh, September 19: Punjab’s health services have undergone a major upgrade, with Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s government expanding the state’s ambulance fleet and setting strict response timelines for emergencies. Officials say the move reflects a commitment to ensure no patient is left without immediate help, even during disasters.
Since July 2024, the state has inducted 104 new ambulances equipped with GPS and modern medical facilities. Mann flagged off 58 vehicles in July 2024, followed by 46 more in June 2025. With these additions, Punjab now operates 371 government ambulances across districts and towns.
The service has been backed by strict time targets: ambulances must reach patients within 15 minutes in cities and 20 minutes in rural areas. Between January and July 2024 alone, more than 100,000 patients were transported safely to hospitals. Records show that included 10,737 heart patients and 28,540 pregnant women, while 80 children were delivered inside ambulances.
The fleet’s resilience was most visible during the recent flood crisis. With many roads and villages submerged, the government deployed “boat ambulances” by converting boats, tractors, and temporary floats to deliver medicines and evacuate patients. Officials said four children were born safely during the flood response and numerous lives were saved in time.
“Our government’s only goal is to protect the life of every Punjabi,” Mann said. “Whether it’s a road accident, a heart attack, or a natural disaster like a flood, Punjab’s ambulance service stands with the public in every difficult time.”
The 108 helpline, Road Safety Force, and upgraded ambulance network are now central to Punjab’s emergency response system. Officials noted the service has boosted public confidence, ensuring that patients and families feel the government is present in every crisis.
