TN Govt Expands Emergency Fleet with 147 New Vehicles, Strengthens Health Services

The Tamil Nadu Government has announced the procurement of 147 new vehicles worth ₹30.29 crores for the state’s fleet of government-owned vehicles. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has issued appointment orders to 31 individuals for various government positions.

At an event held on February 4, 2025, the Hon’ble Chief Minister inaugurated a series of new emergency service vehicles in the field of Health and Human Welfare. The procurement includes:

• 72 new “108” ambulances
• 4 four-wheel ambulances for remote areas
• 31 additional ambulances
• 36 more ambulances

A total of 143 vehicles were purchased at a cost of ₹29.15 crores, while one additional vehicle was procured by Tamil Nadu Cable TV Communication Limited. Additionally, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has announced the purchase of four more ambulances with medical equipment worth ₹12.96 lakhs.

The Tamil Nadu government has also appointed 31 inspectors who were recruited during the lockdown period.

“108” Ambulance Service

The “108” ambulance service was launched on September 15, 2008, and is currently operated by a private company, SHG RME, in Tamil Nadu. This toll-free emergency service is available 24/7. The fleet consists of 981 special-purpose vehicles, 303 reserved vehicles, 65 vehicles for children, and 4 VIP vehicles. Between May 7, 2021, and January 2025, a total of 72,58,581 people have benefited from this service, including:

• 18,25,880 pregnant mothers
• 12,18,014 road accident victims
• 42,14,687 other medical emergencies

Additionally, services have been extended to:

• 1,42,649 beneficiaries via 41 two-wheeler ambulances
• 82,098 children through specialized transport services
• 3,69,573 individuals in tribal areas

“155377” Free Mortuary Van Service

If a patient passes away in a government hospital, their body is transported free of cost to their residence or the nearest hospital using an ambulance service available 24/7 via the toll-free number 155377. This service is also used for transporting bodies from accident sites or natural disasters to government mortuaries for postmortem before being sent home. From May 7, 2021, to January 2025, 5,89,375 deceased individuals have been transported through this service. Currently, 195 vehicles operate under this initiative across Tamil Nadu.

“102” Maternity Care Service

The “102” Maternity Care Service provides free transportation for expectant mothers to government hospitals for delivery. Between May 7, 2021, and January 2025, 9,48,715 mothers and newborns have availed this service. Currently, 109 maternity care vehicles are in operation across Tamil Nadu.

Modernization of Government Fleet

To modernize the state’s vehicle fleet, the government has procured:

• 72 new air-conditioned vehicles
• 4 four-wheeled air-conditioned vehicles for rural areas
• 31 new air-conditioned vehicles
• 36 air-conditioned welfare vehicles

A total of 143 vehicles have been purchased at a cost of ₹29.15 crores. Additionally, the government has announced an investment of ₹4.70 crores for further expansion. Since the inception of the scheme, 515 ambulances have been purchased at a total cost of ₹121.58 crores.

Food Safety and Quality Control

The Tamil Nadu Food Safety Department is implementing various initiatives to ensure safe and hygienic food for the public. Six Food Analysis Laboratories are operating in Tamil Nadu at Senanayake, Eduvara, Sagayampudur, Chelam, Thanjavur, and Thiruvananthapuram. These laboratories analyze food samples collected by the Food Safety Authority and are accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).

Each lab tests approximately 6,000 food samples annually, making a total of 36,000 samples tested across all six labs. Analytical reports on food quality are sent to designated authorities for further action.

A recruitment examination was conducted to fill vacant Food Analyst positions, and 31 candidates were selected. The Tamil Nadu government has officially appointed these individuals today.

The event was attended by:

• Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu
• Environment Minister O. Subramaniam
• Health and Welfare Department officials
• Senior government representatives

Director of Press Relations, Senvan-9