A major step has been taken toward strengthening maternal and child health services in Rajasthan's Sri Ganganagar district. The long-defunct 104 Janani Express ambulance service is now being relaunched. Significantly, this service is set to resume at the Suratgarh Sub-District Hospital after nearly eight years, which is expected to bring significant relief to pregnant women.
What is Janani Express service?
This service was launched in the state under the Mother-Child Protection Program in 2011. Its primary objective is to ensure timely hospitalization and safe return of pregnant women and newborns, thereby reducing maternal and infant mortality.
Why was the service stopped?
This ambulance service in the Suratgarh area began in 2014 but was discontinued due to technical problems in 2018. Since then, pregnant women have had to rely on 108 ambulances or private vehicles to get to and from the hospital.
What will change now?
The resumption of this service will directly benefit the hundreds of women who deliver their babies each month at this hospital. They will now have safe and free transportation to the hospital and back home after delivery.
From which centres will the service be run?
Under the new system, 104 Janani Expresses will operate from seven major health centers in the district. These centers have been arranged in such a way that the surrounding rural areas also have better connectivity and ambulances are readily available when needed.
How will the expenses and operations be carried out?
The cost of this service will be borne by the respective hospitals through the RMRS (Patient Welfare Committee). Ambulance drivers will also be connected to the 108 emergency service call center, ensuring immediate assistance upon receiving a call.
Preparation for administration
In the initial phase, ambulance drivers will be recruited temporarily through NGOs. According to the Health Department, this arrangement will be further strengthened in the future, in accordance with state government directives.
A big step towards safe motherhood
This initiative will not only ensure timely treatment for pregnant women but also promote safe motherhood throughout the region. This service will be a lifeline for women living in rural areas. The resumption of the 104 Janani Express is a welcome news for Sri Ganganagar district, providing a new direction to maternal and child health services.
