J-K Operates 139 ALS Ambulances, Ladakh Faces BLS Service Shortage

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VoM News Desk | March 22, 2025 | 03:05 PM IST | Breaking News, Jammu Kashmir | Follow on Google News

J-K Operates 139 ALS Ambulances, Ladakh Faces BLS Service Shortage

Jammu and Kashmir has a total of 139 Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulances and 64 Basic Life Support (BLS) ambulances, while Ladakh has 22 ALS ambulances but no BLS ambulances, according to the latest data from the National Health Mission (NHM) as of September 2024.

Despite improvements in emergency medical services, the lack of BLS ambulances in Ladakh remains a major concern, especially in remote areas where access to advanced healthcare facilities is limited.

Experts say the absence of BLS ambulances in Ladakh could pose challenges in providing basic emergency care, particularly in high-altitude regions where timely medical intervention is crucial.

In JK, the availability of 139 ALS ambulances is a significant development, but the limited number of BLS ambulances (64) raises concerns about accessibility in rural districts. BLS ambulances play a crucial role in providing initial stabilization for patients before they are transferred to hospitals with advanced facilities.

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The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has said that ambulance distribution is based on population norms—one ALS ambulance per 500,000 people and one BLS ambulance per 100,000 people. However, health experts argue that the geographical challenges in JK and Ladakh require more flexible allocation criteria.

The maintenance and operational efficiency of these ambulances are monitored by the NHM through regular review meetings and field visits. However, given the difficult terrain and frequent road blockages in these Union Territories, ensuring the proper functioning of ambulances remains critical. (KNO)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by VoM News staff and is published from the syndicated feed)

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