NASHIK: Over 1.55 lakh people across the district have taken benefit of the ' ambulance on call' (dial 108) service over the past five years.Last year, the doctors and pilots (who are the drivers) on the ambulances rushed 52,626 people to hospitals - around 40% more compared to the previous year.The service was launched In January 2014 by the Maharashtra Emergency Medical Services run by the Bharat Vikas Group with deployment of 46 ambulances.Officials said over the last five years the ambulances have rushed 1,55,839 patients to hospitals. Of these, over 53,000 were women in labour pains, while 22,000 were accident victims.Each of the 46 ambulances has ferried over three patients a day last year. The ambulances have been deployed in such a manner that an ambulance can reach the place of call within 20 minutes.The BVG officials they have been conducting awareness camps to popularize the use of the service.The accredited social health activists (ASHA), who know almost every ailing person and pregnant woman in their jurisdiction, have also been sensitized about making maximum use of the service.Ashwin Raghamwar, district manager of Bharat Vikas Group said the service was aimed at rushing the patients in medical emergency to the nearest medical facility during the golden hour, which is the first hour of any medical problem.

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