26 ambulances added to existing NAS-108 fleet
TNR News Network
Shimla:
In a significant move to bolster emergency medical services in Himachal Pradesh, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, along with Health Minister Dr (Col) Dhani Ram Shandil, flagged off 26 new Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulances from his official residence Oak Over on Saturday (October 11, 2025). These ambulances will be added to the existing fleet of 241 National Ambulance Service-108 (NAS) vehicles.
On the same occasion, the Chief Minister also launched the ‘Tobacco-Free Youth Campaign’, a state-wide initiative aimed at protecting young people from the harmful effects of tobacco and psychotropic substances.
The newly introduced ALS ambulances are outfitted with 19 critical life-saving medical devices, including transport ventilators, ECG machines, Ambu bags, oxygen cylinders and blood pressure monitors. Trained medical technicians will be available round-the-clock (24×7) to provide emergency care during patient transport.
The ambulances will be strategically deployed across government medical colleges, district hospitals, civil hospitals and remote healthcare centres, ensuring quick and effective response during medical emergencies.
Speaking on the occasion, CM Sukhu emphasised the government’s commitment to strengthening the healthcare infrastructure. “We are continuously striving to improve the health sector by creating world-class facilities. These new advanced ambulances will significantly enhance emergency healthcare services in the state,” he said.
Congratulating the Health Department for launching the Tobacco-Free Youth Campaign, the Chief Minister stated that Himachal Pradesh remains a leading state in public health initiatives.
“This is a crucial step to safeguard our youth from the dangers of tobacco and other harmful substances,” he said.
The campaign will run for 60 days, until December 8, 2025, with a focus on awareness, prevention and strict enforcement of tobacco control laws. These laws include bans on smoking in public places, tobacco advertisements, sales to minors, and mandatory health warnings on tobacco packaging.
Highlighting the severity of tobacco use, the Chief Minister noted, “Tobacco kills more than 1.35 million people in India every year and is a major cause of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and respiratory problems.”
He reaffirmed the government’s resolve to completely eliminate all forms of tobacco use, including e-cigarettes and hookah bars. Police teams and flying squads will conduct regular inspections to enforce the ban, while district administrations have been instructed to regulate tobacco vendors, enforce licensing norms, and reduce the number of tobacco outlets in both urban and rural areas.
CM Sukhu directed all Deputy Commissioners, government departments and local bodies to actively participate in ensuring the campaign’s success. He stressed the need for making all educational institutions and villages tobacco-free, in line with the “Tobacco-Free Educational Institutions Guidelines.”
“There must be no sale, usage, or advertisement of tobacco in or around schools, colleges, and universities,” he asserted.
The Health Department is providing free tobacco cessation services at medical colleges and district hospitals. In addition, counselling is being offered at 109 ‘Nayi Disha’ Centers across the state to assist individuals in quitting tobacco and adopting a healthier lifestyle.
The Chief Minister also administered an oath of awareness on the occasion, urging citizens to stay away from tobacco products and contribute to a healthier Himachal Pradesh.
Among those present at the event were Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh, MLA Sanjay Awasthi, Shimla Mayor Surender Chauhan, Principal Adviser (Media) to the Chief Minister Naresh Chauhan, Secretary (Health) M. Sudha Devi and Director (Information and Public Relations) Rajiv Kumar.
