SUMMARY
In the first phase of the scheme, 800 ambulances were flagged off in January.
________________________________________________________________________
Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav on Wednesday flagged off 300 AC ambulances under National Ambulance Scheme 102 at his official residence. The 102 ambulance service is for pregnant women and newborn in need of medical care.

In the first phase of the scheme, 800 ambulances were flagged off in January. The state government aims to keep a total of 1972 ambulances under this scheme. “Along with 108 ambulance scheme (which provides basic life support), UP now has the largest fleet of ambulances in the whole country.

The 108 service has benefitted 25.58 lakh patients while 102 service has helped 1.99 lakh patients until June,” Nitin Aggrawal, minister of state for medical health, said.

During the flagging-off, Akhilesh said that health parametres of the state have improved under his regime. “State health department has improved the medical facilities. We are currently working to improve the condition of our hospitals by making space for attendants.

“Most of the hospitals do not have any place for them to sit,” the chief minister said. He also praises ministers in the health department — Ahmed Hasan, Nitin Aggrawal and Shankhlal Manjhi.

The CM did not respond on Hafiz Saeed-Vaidik meeting row, saying that the issue is already being discussed in Parliament. He also refused comment on the purchase of Mercedes and Land Cruiser for his fleet, saying “it is an old issue now”.

source: http://www.indianexpress.com / The Indian Express / Home> Cities> Lucknow / Express News Service / Lucknow – July 17th, 2014