One - Zero - Eight

Surjit Singh Khaidem *

Every human being regrets at some point of life for letting go of an opportunity to turn this world into a safe place and to have a secured life on this planet. There are few who reach out for those in need.

The chairman of GVK EMRI, Mr. GVK Reddy is committed to accept the challenge and to be there at the most crucial hour of need for the people of this nation with motto of a "Saving Life".

With one of the greatest sense of moral responsibility this noble movement called "Saving Life", GVK EMRl launched the 108 Emergency Response service on 15th of August, 2005 in Hyderabad in Public-Private partnership with the Government of Andhra Pradesh.

Having started operation with barely 15 ambulances, GVK EMRI today operates with more than 2000 ambulances in 11 States, serving a population of 368 million people.

The Number

The number 108 is considered sacred in many Eastern religions and traditions, such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism and connected yoga and dharma based practices. For example, Hindu deities have 108 names. Recital of these names, often accompanied by counting of 108 beaded Mala, is considered sacred and often done during religious ceremonies.

As per the Hindu beliefs chanting of "Mrityunjaya 'VIaha Mantra" (108 times) can raise the dead and cure all illnesses. That's what symbolises the services of GVK EMRI 108 in India.

Operating States

With initial beginnings in Andhra Pradesh now the organisation has expanded its services in the States of Gujarat, Uttarakhand, Goa, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Assam, Meghalaya, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and two Union Territories within a very short span of 6 years' time. Mr. Reddy is keen to extend this operation across the nation and also in abroad.

The Process

The process starts as soon as the Emergency Response Officer receives the call from the caller over phone whether it is medical, police or fire and dispatch the strategically located ambulance to the assigned destination. Reaching the site Emergency Medical Technician provides the pre-hospital care while transferring the patient/victim to the appropriate hospital for stabilisation & further treatment under virtual supervision of Emergency Response Care Physician.

So here's presenting a new era with a new identity for critical & emergency support system through "1-0-8 Emergency Service" which is the most easiest way to finding a helping hand at the critical hour of need for emergencies like medical, police and fire.

Today every citizen in States like Assam and Meghalaya knows that through the number "108" a new value has been added to their lives. It is this life saving number that anybody can dial from anywhere within the State for any emergency aid whenever he or she is in a situation of urgency for medical, police or fire completely free of charge.

Today you just dial the number 108 and a well equipped Ambulance or otherwise known as the "mobile ICU" will be at your door step to help you irrespective of your location. The ambulance comes with well trained Medical Technician who will transfer the patient to the nearest hospital with the best available pre-hospital care.

In a country like India where people still strive for the bare basic minimum facilities such as housing, potable drinking water, minimum nutrition for new-borns, smooth transportation facilities, introduction of such a facility that has helped us create a milestone in bridging the gap in improving the healthcare scenario for the rural, sub-urban and semi-urban population of the country.

It seems nothing more than a mere dream; but GVK EMRI has made this dream come true with the help of State Government through Public-Private partnership. Apart from being the pioneer of this successful phenomenon of providing free of cost emergency medical, police & fire aid at your doorstep, the phenomenal success of GVK EMRI in India has also attracted many other nations to launch its prototype of emergency services in their respective countries.

It is a moment of great pride for our nation at this successful achievement of GVK EMRI which has led INDIA shine amongst its peer nations and encouraged them to start similar initiatives in the field of healthcare.