'70% calls to 108 were tested fake'

FROM A CORRESPONDENT

JORHAT, Nov 24: “We have received 8000 phone calls, out of which 70% is all not related to health issues as many youngsters call 108 services just for fun, as a result many deserving cases for treatment had to be skipped off,” said Kai Kandu Sinha, the officer on duty for marketing and communication of 108 emergency services here on Friday.

Sinha, the officer in charge of 108 services was addressing the media on the occasion of Mritunjay 108 services completing 9 years. He said that Jorhat has at present 11 no of 108 vehicles, 6 no of Adoroni vehicles and 11 no of 102 ambulances.

 For the serious matter of youngsters abusing this service, Sinha requested the guardians and elders to be alert. In the 27 districts of the State, overall a total of 235 Adoroni vehicles are there, working 24/7. And in Jorhat district alone since the services have been brought into action, (From March 13, 2012 and till October 31, 2017) a total of 3859 pregnt women have been treated and transported by this facility.

On the other hand, cases of Intra Facility Transfer (IFT) through 102 services in 27 districts a total of 316 ambulances are plying  and this service is gaining momentum as transferring patients from government hospitals to government  medical colleges and higher institutes as recommended by the State government are on the rise.