J&K govt to introduce emergency ambulance service: Omar Abdullah

Jammu and Kashmir government is planning to introduce emergency ambulance services in the state in order to deliver life-saving services at disaster spots.

"As 108 helpline is in place in other states, we are working towards making available emergency ambulance services in Jammu and Kashmir. Buses fall off from hill tops, leading to loss of many lives. An emergency ambulance facility can help save many lives and limbs," Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Omar Abdullah said on Thursday.

He was inaugurating the First International Congress on Emergency Medical Care Services System, 2012, at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences.

The minister stressed the need for public-private partnership in health care sector and a change in the mindset of people for better delivery of medicare services.

"How many of us have given way to ambulances in crowded areas? Ambulances get stuck in the crowd due to VIP movement. If we are actually looking for delivering better healtcare services, then it should not be enforcement of rule but civic responsibility," he said.

"As justice delayed is equal to justice denied, so also healthcare delayed is equal to denied."