Who Introduced 108 Ambulance in India? History, Founders, and How It Spread

When a family member requires emergency aid, 108 is frequently the first number called. However, have you ever considered who was responsible for its inception? In this article, we will discuss the individual who introduced 108 ambulance in India, as well as the origin and development of the service in your state.

 

 

Quick Answer

The 108 ambulance service started in India on 15 August 2005 in Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh. It was initiated by EMRI (Emergency Management and Research Institute), an organization supported by Satyam Computer Services chairman Ramalinga Raju, and approved by the Andhra Pradesh government. In subsequent years, the GVK Group became the main sponsor, and the company began to operate under the name GVK EMRI for many years.

 

 

What Is the 108 Ambulance Service?

108 is a free emergency number in countries like India, providing medical, police, and fire services. When a person calls the number, an operator collects their location and sends an ambulance to the nearest facility. It works similarly to the “911” number in the United States.

 

The number was chosen because it is considered auspicious in several religions popular in India. Moreover, it is a short number easy to remember in an emergency.

 

 

Who Introduced 108 Ambulance in India?

There is no one face behind it. Three names are most frequently cited in the history of the 108 ambulance service:

 

• Ramalinga Raju: At the time, chairman of Satyam Computer Services. He mooted the idea of an emergency ambulance service for India during a business conference in early 2005, and his foundation kick-started the funding.

• Venkat Changavalli: The man who became CEO of EMRI on 15 April 2005, and built the organisation around the service.

• A. P. Ranga Rao: The designer of the EMRI 108 ambulance model. He had spent a decade in the UK working with the National Health Service, learning the ropes of emergency ambulance services.

 

The late Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy, Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, flagged off the service. So when a person asks who was the founder of the 108 ambulance service, the straight answer is a team of a philanthropist, a CEO, a designer of emergency ambulance systems, and a state government that gave its nod of approval.

 

The number of ambulances at the time of the launch of the service varies in different reports; hence, we have not included a figure here.

 

 

108 Ambulance History: Timeline

 

Within a couple of years of the launch in 2005, state governments began to sign agreements with EMRI and the model spread to other regions outside of Andhra Pradesh. Today, 108 operates in approximately 20 states and union territories, with the exception that the operating company varies from one state to another.

 

 

How the 108 Model Works

The EMRI 108 ambulance system is a public-private partnership (PPP) wherein the state government funds the service, and a private professional organization manages call centres, personnel, and related duties. The states are provided technical and financial assistance by the National Health Mission (NHM). To get a comprehensive understanding of the ambulance system, including ambulance crew, ambulance equipment, and ambulance cost in India, read how ambulance service works in India. 

 

An emergency call via the 108 number is attended in the following manner:

 

• The caller connects via phone to an emergency response officer.

• The officer collects the location details and activates the Global Positioning System (GPS) to identify the closest ambulance.

• A doctor is on standby at the response centre to offer guidance, if necessary.

• An emergency medical technician provides first aid and transports the patient to the nearest hospital.

 

Most of the 108 ambulances are basic life support (BLS), and some are advanced life support (ALS), depending on the availability in that particular state.

 

 

108 Ambulance in Uttar Pradesh and Lucknow

Uttar Pradesh established the 108 emergency ambulance service in September 2012. In 2014, the state launched the 102 National Ambulance Service dedicated to pregnant women and newborn infants. As of the latest report, a state health mission official said there are around 2,200 ambulances under the 108 service, 2,270 under the 102 service, and 375 ALS units.

 

Many families in Lucknow find calling 108 their first choice, and that's the right thing to do when you need emergency care. Read our 108 vs 102 ambulance guide to know the difference between the two emergency numbers. Check our guide on UP ambulance service for the emergency numbers and private ambulance services in the state.

 

 

Where 108 Has Limits

The 108 ambulance service has saved lakhs of lives, but a public service can never cover all bases. Families often face these roadblocks:

 

• Peak time: During rush hour, accidents, festivals, or holidays, the nearest vehicle might already be occupied.

• Low spec: Most 108 vehicles are BLS ambulances. If you need a ventilator, cardiac monitor, or ICU-level care, you might need a higher-spec vehicle.

• Hospital choice: The crew will take you to the nearest appropriate government facility. Your private hospital may not be an option.

• Distance: Transferring a patient from Lucknow to Delhi, Patna, or another city is generally not covered by 108

 

None of this is a reason to avoid 108. It's a reason to research your secondary option beforehand. We've done a detailed comparison of private vs government ambulance services in Lucknow on our blog.

 

 

When to Call 108 and When to Book a Private ICU Ambulance

Call 108 when:

 

• It is a sudden accident/collapse or life-threatening emergency, and you need immediate help

• The patient needs to be rushed to the nearest government hospital

• You do not have any other vehicle available

 

Book a private ambulance when:

 

• The patient is in critical condition and requires oxygen/ventilator support or cardiac monitoring en route

• You are transferring the patient between hospitals/cities

• You have a preferred hospital like KGMU, SGPGI, or a private facility

• A trained paramedic will be on constant attendance during transit

 

At ICU Ambulance Service Lucknow, we have 24x7 ICU ambulance and ventilator ambulance services at your disposal for such emergencies.

 

 

Why This History Matters Today

Before 2005, India had little organised emergency medical transport. Patients mostly came via taxis, tempos, or private vehicles without any trained personnel on board. The 108 model proved that a single number, a call centre, and trained crews could work even in rural and hilly locations, which later influenced the creation of 102, 112, and various state-run systems.

 

The background knowledge is also key to the proper use of the service. 108 is a rapid response system, while a private ICU ambulance is a higher level of care with planned transfers. Both have their uses.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

1. Who introduced the 108 ambulance in India?

It was introduced by EMRI on 15 August 2005 in Hyderabad with funding support from Ramalinga Raju and his family and the Andhra Pradesh government.

 

2. Which state started 108 first?

Andhra Pradesh (undivided) started it first, followed by Gujarat in August 2007.

 

3. Why the number 108?

It's considered auspicious in various religions in India, and it is easy to remember.

 

4. Is the 108 ambulance free of cost?

Yes, 108 is a free service provided by a government-funded organization.

 

5. Who manages the 108 ambulance service?

Depending on the state, different organizations manage it with the agreement of the state government, mostly under the NHM umbrella.

 

6. Do we have an ICU ambulance facility in 108?

Most of the 108 ambulance are basic life support ambulance. Many families opt for a private ICU ambulance in case of the need for ventilator support.

 

 

Final Words

In short, who introduced the 108 ambulance in India is a question whose answer is not hard to find. It was EMRI, in Hyderabad, on 15 August 2005, with the help of a combination of private funds and government collaboration. The project began in one city and then expanded to encompass the entire nation.

 

If you need to go beyond standard care, our expert team is available to you at any given moment.

 

Need a Faster ICU Ambulance Beyond 108? Call Us Now, Available 24x7: +91 7880310444

 

Medical disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. In case of an emergency, seek medical attention by calling 108 or your local hospital. The information contained herein is not a substitute for professional medical advice.