DW BUREAU / chandigarh To ensure quick emergency services to the patients during the tough time of pandemic, Health Minister Balbir Singh Sidhu on Thursday flagged off five Advance Life Saving Ambulances. Giving details in a press release, the Health Minister said that to fulfil the shortage of ambulances in the government hospitals, Captain Amarinder Singh led Punjab Government has given nod to procure 17 ALS and 60 BLS ambulances. He said that order was given to SML ISUZU Ltd on Gem portal by keeping Make in Punjab Policy and today they delivered five Advance Life Saving Ambulances. Mr Sidhu said that all ALS Ambulances are fully equipped with life saving equipments such as Ventilators, Defibrillators, Multi-Para Patient Monitor, Suction Machine, Nebulizers, etc. The delivery of these ambulances has been started and remaining will be received within month. He said that there are presently 5 ALS and 245 BLS ambulances in the State which have already been deputed at Strategic places and are connected with '108' Call Centre adding that he said these ambulances would prove life saving for the patients developing respiratory and other critical issues. He said that we are ensuring that the Emergency Ambulances will reach the place within 20 minutes in Urban areas and within 30 minutes in Rural areas. (editor@dailyworld.in)