‘108’ Arogya Kavacha ambulances will now be run by Health Department

The move is expected to significantly enhance the efficiency of the ‘108’ ambulance service while saving nearly ₹250 crore for the State exchequer, Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao said in a post on X. | Photo Credit: File Photo

Strengthening emergency healthcare services in Karnataka, the State government has approved the proposal to bring the ‘108’ Arogya Kavacha ambulance service under the direct management of the Health Department, ending its operation under private partnership. A Government Order (GO) to this effect was issued on June 12.

This move is expected to significantly enhance the efficiency of the ‘108’ ambulance service while saving nearly ₹250 crore for the State exchequer, Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao said in a post on X.

According to the GO, a central command and control centre will be established at the State level to manage a fleet of 715 ambulances. This system will be powered by the 112 NG-ERSS software. Additionally, ‘108’ control centres will be established in every district, with the district health officers responsible for operational oversight. Ambulance drivers and nursing staff will be recruited on an outsourced basis at the district level.

“We are beginning this transition in Chamarajanagar district, with a phased implementation across all districts to follow. Furthermore, beyond the ‘108’ fleet, we plan to integrate over 1,000 additional State-owned ambulances under the unified ‘108 command centre for seamless emergency response,” the Minister said.

₹185 crore approved for Gruha Arogya

The State government also approved ₹185 crore for the Statewide implementation of the Gruha Arogya scheme.

Following its successful rollout in Kolar district, the Health Department is now expanding the scheme across all districts, with inspection and preparatory work set to begin by the end of this month.

As part of the initiative, ASHA workers will visit households to raise awareness about non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and guide individuals aged 30 and above to undergo screenings at Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres (AB-HWCs). The community health officers (CHOs) will screen for 14 NCDs, including hypertension, diabetes, and various forms of cancer. Free medicines will be provided to those diagnosed, ensuring timely treatment and reducing financial burden on families.

Health Department does away with 195 ASHA mentors

The Health Department has issued an order relieving 195 ASHA mentors, who were working on a contract basis under the National Health Mission (NHM) in the State. The order stated that the responsibilities previously performed by ASHA mentors with nursing qualifications will now be performed by female health workers, senior health inspectors at the primary health centre level and primary health welfare officers and community health officers at the sub-centres.

The order stated that these 195 people who have been relieved of their duties can be considered for appointment on a contract basis in the vacant posts of nurses under the NHM in their respective districts on priority, if eligible.

Published - June 13, 2025 09:11 pm IST