One Newborn every 9 hours: 108 ambulance service raaches 3,060 deliveries in Himachal

Shimla, Apr 2,

The NAS-108 Ambulance Service in Himachal Pradesh has achieved a significant milestone by successfully assisting in over 3,060 newborn deliveries inside ambulances or at emergency locations since its inception on January 15, 2022. Operated by Medswan Foundation in partnership with the Government of Himachal Pradesh and the National Health Mission (NHM), the service has emerged as a critical lifeline for maternal and neonatal healthcare in the state.

Since its launch, NAS-108 has responded to more than 4.27 lakh emergencies, including approximately 78,000 pregnancy-related cases. With an average of one newborn delivered every nine hours, the ambulance service has been instrumental in ensuring safe childbirth, particularly in remote and underserved areas where access to healthcare remains a challenge. Equipped with skilled Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs), trained ambulance pilots, and essential delivery kits, the service has provided crucial pre-hospital obstetric care, significantly reducing maternal and neonatal mortality rates, stated a spokesperson of the company.

Himachal Pradesh’s challenging mountainous terrain and scattered settlements often pose barriers to emergency medical services, they added.  “However, NAS-108 has managed to bridge this gap by providing 24×7 healthcare access even in the most difficult regions.” The service has turned geographical constraints into an opportunity, reinforcing the state’s emergency medical infrastructure and setting new benchmarks in healthcare response, claimed the spokesperson.

District-wise data from January 15, 2022, to March 31, 2025, highlights the extensive reach of NAS-108. In Bilaspur, the service responded to 25,040 medical emergencies, including 3,314 pregnancy-related cases, and assisted in 84 deliveries. Chamba recorded 35,624 medical emergencies, 6,640 pregnancy-related cases, and 238 deliveries. In Hamirpur, 21,700 medical emergencies were attended to, along with 3,254 pregnancy-related cases and 76 deliveries. Kangra saw 62,351 medical emergencies, 10,405 pregnancy-related cases, and 121 deliveries. In Kinnaur, the service handled 5,782 medical emergencies, 856 pregnancy-related cases, and 51 deliveries, while Kullu witnessed 25,226 medical emergencies, 5,373 pregnancy-related cases, and 312 deliveries. Lahaul-Spiti, despite its sparse population, saw 2,090 medical emergencies, 171 pregnancy-related cases, and 26 deliveries. Mandi recorded 56,974 medical emergencies, 8,864 pregnancy-related cases, and 307 deliveries. Shimla had the highest number of medical emergencies at 68,935, with 9,668 pregnancy-related cases and 581 deliveries. In Sirmaur, the service handled 52,817 medical emergencies, 12,204 pregnancy-related cases, and 809 deliveries. Solan recorded 47,500 medical emergencies, 12,915 pregnancy-related cases, and 343 deliveries. Una saw 23,256 medical emergencies, 4,300 pregnancy-related cases, and 112 deliveries.

Beyond statistics, every successful delivery assisted by NAS-108 represents a story of hope and relief for families across Himachal Pradesh, they added. The dedication of the ambulance teams, supported by the government and NHM, has reinforced public trust in the service.

Citizens are urged to dial the toll-free number 108 in any emergency, as NAS-108 continues its mission of saving lives and strengthening healthcare accessibility in the state.

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Himachalscape bureau

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The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.

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Himachalscape bureau

The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.