A fleet of 1,068 ambulances, including those of 104 and 108 services, equipped with modern healthcare machinery have been launched by Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy at Benz Circle in Vijayawada on Wednesday. People in Vijayawada had the opportunity to watch more than 1,000 ambulances, decked up with flowers, at once moving one behind the other in a serpentine queue today.
Deputy Chief Minister Alla Nani, ministers Peddireddy Ramachandra Reddy, Kodali Nani, several MLAs and higher officials participated in the programme.
The state government bought these vehicles at a cost of Rs 201 crore.
While the 108 services cater to the needs of the urban people, 104 helpline will cater to the people in rural areas. All the vehicles will be sent to the respective district headquarters to provide essential medical services to the needy. The ambulances will reach the person in need within 20 minutes of calling 104 or 108, zooming through the roads sounding the sirens.
Meanwhile, the Opposition TDP has alleged that there is a Rs 307 crore scam in the purchase of these vehicles, the contract of which was given to YCP MP Vijayasai Reddy’s son-in-law family.