In emergencies, every second counts. Whether it’s a road accident, a sudden heart attack, or a woman going into labor in a remote village—timely medical transport can be the difference between life and death. In India, two government-backed ambulance helpline numbers—108 and 102—serve as lifelines for millions. While both offer free ambulance services, they cater to very different needs and are designed to serve specific segments of the population.
Yet, many people are unaware of the clear distinction between these two services. Misunderstanding which number to call can cause delays in getting the right help at the right time. That’s why it’s essential to understand the difference between 108 and 102 ambulance services in India—their purpose, usage, facilities, and who they’re meant for.
What is 108 Ambulance Service?
The 108 ambulance service is a free emergency response service accessible across most Indian states. It was introduced as part of a public-private partnership (PPP) model and is often run by organizations such as GVK EMRI in collaboration with state governments.
Purpose
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Handles medical emergencies, accidents, trauma, heart attacks, stroke, and fire or police emergencies.
Availability
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Operates 24×7, 365 days a year.
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Can be dialed toll-free from any phone.
History
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Launched in 2005 in Andhra Pradesh, now expanded to more than 20 states and union territories.
What is 102 Ambulance Service?
The 102 ambulance service is a government initiative aimed primarily at maternal and child healthcare. Also known as Janani Express or Mother and Child Ambulance Service, it focuses on transporting pregnant women, newborns, and infants to and from healthcare centers.
Purpose
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Non-emergency and routine medical transportation.
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Focused on maternal & child health, immunization, and Antenatal/Postnatal care (ANC/PNC) visits.
Availability
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Also free of cost, state-run or through outsourced operators under the National Health Mission (NHM).
History
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Part of Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK) under NHM.
Key Differences Between 108 and 102 Ambulance Services
| Feature | 108 Ambulance | 102 Ambulance |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Emergency (accidents, trauma) | Maternal and child health transport |
| Emergency Type | Critical, life-threatening | Non-critical, pre-planned transportation |
| Target Audience | General public | Pregnant women, infants, neonates |
| Medical Equipment | Advanced Life Support (ALS/BLS) | Basic transport equipment |
| Availability | 24×7 emergency care | Scheduled or as-needed maternity care |
| Cost | Free | Free |
| Operated By | GVK EMRI / NGOs + State Govts. | NHM (State Health Depts.) |
| Phone Number | 108 | 102 |
Features and Facilities
108 Ambulance Features:
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Trained paramedics and EMTs
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Equipped with oxygen cylinders, defibrillators, stretchers
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Can handle road traffic accidents, cardiac arrest, burn injuries, etc.
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Direct coordination with hospitals
102 Ambulance Features:
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Transport for:
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Antenatal check-ups
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Institutional delivery
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Postnatal check-ups
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Newborn care
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May not include paramedics or emergency support.
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Focuses on safe, clean, timely transport
Target Beneficiaries
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108: Road accident victims, heart/stroke patients, trauma cases, fire victims, unconscious individuals, etc.
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102: Pregnant women under JSSK, children needing immunization, newborns needing check-ups or NICU transfer.
Operation and Management
108 Service
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Operated on PPP model
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Leading provider: GVK EMRI
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Control rooms receive emergency calls, identify GPS location, dispatch nearest ambulance.
102 Service
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Operated by State Health Departments through contracts with NGOs or private providers.
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Often coordinated with anganwadis, ASHA workers, and PHCs/CHCs.
State-Wise Implementation
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States Covered under 108: Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, etc.
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States Using 102: Present in states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, etc.
Challenges Faced
For 108 Services:
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Delay in response time in remote areas
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Shortage of ambulances or paramedics
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Increasing non-emergency usage
For 102 Services:
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Poor road conditions affecting timely transport
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Lack of awareness among rural populations
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Limited coordination with frontline health workers
When to Call 108 vs 102
Call 108 When:
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There’s a road traffic accident
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Someone is unconscious or having a heart attack
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You need immediate emergency care
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There’s a fire or crime scene injury
Call 102 When:
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A pregnant woman needs to reach a government hospital
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A mother or baby requires post-delivery check-up
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For safe, planned transportation under government health schemes
Role of Private Ambulance Services like VMEDO
While 108 and 102 focus on public healthcare, private players like VMEDO fill the gap by offering:
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Timely ambulance booking through apps or helplines
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Advanced Life Support (ALS) and Basic Life Support (BLS) ambulances
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Event medical coverage
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Dead body transport, freezer box rental, and air ambulance services
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Home-based medical care such as injections, IV infusions, and catheterization
In metros and tier-2 cities, VMEDO bridges delays and enhances service quality through a reliable tech-based platform.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Q1. Are both 108 and 102 free?
Yes, both are completely free of cost for all citizens.
Q2. Can I call 108 or 102 from a mobile phone?
Yes, both numbers are toll-free and can be dialed from any mobile or landline phone.
Q3. Is there a difference in the ambulance types used?
Yes. 108 ambulances often have advanced medical equipment, while 102 ambulances focus more on transport logistics.
Q4. Can I call 102 for an emergency?
No, 102 is not designed for emergency response; it is for routine transport for maternal and child care.
Q5. What if neither is available in my area?
In such cases, services like VMEDO can provide on-demand ambulance bookings via app or helpline across India.
Conclusion
Both 108 and 102 ambulance services have revolutionized public health transportation in India. While 108 addresses the broader spectrum of emergency services, 102 ensures maternal and child care accessibility. Understanding their differences helps the public make informed decisions during emergencies or planned healthcare visits.
However, due to growing urban demands, traffic congestion, and infrastructure challenges, private emergency services like VMEDO play a pivotal role in complementing public systems by providing fast, reliable, and advanced ambulance services, especially in metro cities like Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, Delhi, and Mumbai.
