SOS calls for diabetes, breathing issues triple

Ahmedabad: In the past decade, 1.29 crore Gujaratis dialled 108 seeking help in a medical emergency. Analysis of this data revealed that diabetes and respiratory emergencies have tripled, recording 285% and 192% rise, respectively.
Heart emergencies were the next major crisis with 115% rise.
In the past 17.5 years of its operations, EMRI 108 has handled 1.75 crore calls averaging at 83,000 calls per month or 108 calls per hour. With 74% of the 1.75 crore calls made between 2014-15 and 2024-25, analysis of the decadal data flagged lifestyle related diseases as major health concerns for Gujaratis.
Diabetes triggered most emergencies as annual calls rose from 6,155 in 2014-15 to 23,689 in 2024-25 recording a 285% hike. It was followed by 192% rise in breathing or respiratory issues (from 43,677 to 1,27,431), 107% rise in stroke cases (from 6,096 to 12,663), and 115% in cardiac issues (from 40,883 to 88,065).
EMRI officials said a multitude of factors should be considered to understand the spike. "Rise in population base, number of ambulances inducted in the 108 fleet and overall rise in awareness about health conditions especially after Covid pandemic prompting immediate call for an ambulance are three major factors behind the rising emergency calls," said senior EMRI analytics official in the state.
EMRI officials said that since the start of the service to date, one-third of total calls are related to pregnancy.