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108 is a free telephone number for emergency services in India. It is currently operational in 20 states (Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Meghalaya, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh) and two Union Territories (Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu.) The 108 Emergency Response Service is a free emergency service providing integrated medical, police and fire emergency services. The service is a public-private partnership between state governments and private EMS providers.This 108 service is rolled out initially by Ramalinga Raju and Family. Dr.Y.S Rajashekar Reddy who was then the Chief minister of Andhra Pradesh, was the initial chief minister to sign an agreement with EMRI to roll out services in the state of Andhra Pradesh. Because of the life saving service went so popular mainly in the rural parts of combined Andhra Pradesh later this system was introduced nation wide by former union health minister, Dr. Anbumani Ramadoss. This (108) system was introduced by Central government of India. And the system was designed by Satyam Infotech. As of November 2014 this service had handled over 5.4 lakh emergency cases in India.
How it works
When an emergency is reported through 108, the call taker gathers the needed basic information and dispatches appropriate services. Basic information obtained includes:
Emergency help dispatched through this process is expected to reach the site of the emergency in an average of 18 minutes. Pre-hospital care will be given to patients being transported to the nearest hospital.
GVK EMRI operates Dial 108 in Emergency in public private partnership with state governments. The service is normally free to patients.