Jammu and Kashmir currently operates 139 Advanced Life Support ambulances and 64 Basic Life Support ambulances, according to the latest data from the National Health Mission (NHM) as of September 2024..
It also said that Ladakh has 22 ALS ambulances but no BLS ambulances.
It further said that the absence of BLS ambulances in Ladakh remains a critical issue, particularly in remote and high-altitude areas where access to timely medical care is essential.
In J&K, the presence of 139 ALS ambulances is a positive step in improving emergency healthcare services. However, with only 64 BLS ambulances available, concerns persist regarding their availability in rural areas, where initial stabilization of patients before hospital transfer is crucial.
The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare allocates ambulances based on population density, following the standard of one ALS ambulance per 500,000 people and one BLS ambulance per 100,000 people.
The NHM is responsible for monitoring the operational efficiency and maintenance of these ambulances through routine field inspections and review meetings. However, ensuring their smooth functioning remains a challenge in these Union Territories, where difficult terrain and frequent road blockages can delay emergency medical responses.
