Only 5 per cent calls to 108 emergency service genuine

Though Maharashtra Emergency Medical Service (MEMS) is counted as one of the largest free ambulance government services in India, only five per cent of the calls received by the helpline are genuine. This year, around 11 lakh emergency calls were made to the helpline number 108, of which around 55,000 dealt with genuine medical problems.

“In most of the cases, callers call on the number, but disconnect after the call is received. Sometimes, they just quietly listen to the attender or ask unnecessary questions that don’t deal with medical emergency problems,” said an officer, who is in close association with the emergency service.

As per the data gathered from the public health department, the highest number of calls made are related to heart attacks, pregnancy issues and accidents.

“Though we have a separate medical emergency number 102 for women, we don’t avoid such calls that are made on 108. We connect it to the service and immediate help is sent to the place,” said the official.

One of the call attenders, Rajesh Mahajan said, “We often get calls from parents if a child gets minor injuries while playing or falling down from the stairs. These are minor injuries that don’t need immediate hospitalisation. These can be treated at home.”