Rubiya Shaikh
Daijiworld Media Network - Goa

Panaji, Sep 6: Emergency Management and Research Institute (EMRI) in collaboration with the Government of Goa today launched the 108 free emergency response services in the state. 

The Chief Minister of Goa, Digambar Kamat launched the services in the presence of Speaker of the Goa Legislative Assembly, Pratapsingh Rane, Health Minister, Vishwajeet Rane, Education Minister, Antanasio Monserattte, M.LA`s , Victoria Fernandes, Pandurang Madkaikar, Dean of Goa Medical College, Dr. Jindaal, President of Women and Child Organization, Dr. Pramod Salgaoncar and CEO, EMRI Venkat Changavalli. 

EMRI signed an MoU with the Government Of Goa on June 14th 2008. In a span of two months the entire service has been set up to operate 18-of-the-art- ambulances, fully equipped to handle any emergency.  

"Goa is the first state where the 108 Emergency Response Services has been launched for the entire at one go and we are glad to launch the service in the state of Goa and be of help to the people in any emergency. But I would like to whole heartedly admire the Health Ministry of Goa who has taken the initiative in making this possible in a short span of 2 months" said CEO, EMRI, Venkat Changavalli. 

The 108 Emergency Response Services is a Free Emergency Services for any emergency be it medical, police and fire. 108 is a toll free number and is accessible from a landline, mobile, local telephone booth without any prefix or suffix.  

"Anyone anytime can call 108 for any emergency and help will reach them in minutes. The ambulances are well equipped with equipments ranging from Defibrillators and Ventilators, to extrication tools, to handle almost any emergency situation", stated the CEO, EMRI. 

Currently the 108 Emergency Response Services Centre has set up its temporary facility at the Goa Medical College, over an area of 7000 sft. The centre is equipped with the latest technology and infrastructure with a total manpower of 150 people who will run the operations in the state. 

Speaking on the occasion Health Minister said ," the deficiency of health care in our state is tried to be decreased by the initiative of life saving – Emergency Response Services in the state". 

The ambulances are strategically located in an around the state for emergency handling and the service is available round the clock. Right from making a call to rendering the necessary pre-hospital care in the ambulance and reaching the victim to the nearest hospital, the entire service will be free to every citizen in Goa. 

"EMRI has partnered with hospitals and nursing homes to provide free hospitalization for first 24 hours until the victim is stabilized. EMRI will continue to recruit, position and train required human resources, including pilots (drivers) and medically trained persons (Emergency Medical Technicians - EMT ) who will provide pre-hospital care to the victim in the critical golden hour in the ambulance", the CEO added further.