Rajasthan's Ambulances Get Lifesaving Delivery Kits

Rajasthan's National Health Mission (NHM) has implemented mandatory delivery kits in all Janani Express ambulances operating under the 104 service. This measure aims to bolster emergency care for pregnant women during transit, particularly in serious referral cases.

Nursing staff or an Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANM) will now accompany critically referred pregnant women to higher health facilities. This directive follows recent maternal deaths and aims to improve the state's emergency transport network. The Janani Express service, designed for timely transport of pregnant women and infants, had faced operational challenges after its management was transferred.

Operational expenses, including fuel and manpower, will be funded through NHM flexipool funds. District officials are identifying irreparable vehicles for formal condemnation. The NHM instructed the previous private operator to hand over all 104 ambulance vehicles to district chief medical and health officers by January 2, 2026.

The health department has resumed the service statewide, with a deadline of July 10 for all taken-over Janani Express vehicles to be mapped and made functional. Ambulances are now integrated with a state-level call centre, mapping drivers' mobile numbers to improve emergency coordination and response.