Khilkhilat (lit. 'giggles')[1] is the name given to a special kind of ambulance in the state of Gujarat in India. Khilkhilat ambulances are specially designed to drop the mother and the newborn child at their home free of cost.[2]
| Khilkhilat | |
|---|---|
| Gujarati: ખિલખિલાટ | |
| Commercial? | No |
| Country | India |
| Launched | 2012 Gujarat |
History
editKhilkilat ambulance service was started in Gujarat in September 2012 by the state's then Chief Minister Narendra Modi. The project was launched in collaboration with GVK EMRI, a non-profit organisation. During the launch 20 ambulance vans were prepared to provide service and more ambulances were added gradually.[3] In 2012, initially, the project budget was ₹2 billion (US$23 million).[1]
Features
editKhilkhilat ambulances are pink in color, with cartoons over its body, and funny horn that sounds like a laughing child's voice. It does not a have siren as in common ambulances.[4][5] This ambulance also provides nutrition kit for the newly born and it also includes list of vaccines to be given at specific times and information about nearby government hospitals.[2] Khilkhilat ambulance is fitted with cushions and LCD screen giving information to the mother and her relatives about childcare.[2]
Other projects
editKhilkhilat inspired launching of similar projects in other Indian states. In 2015 Maharashtra health department announced to launch Vatsalaya with a similar task to provide free transport to newly born children and their mothers.[6]
References
edit- ^ a b "Modi launches health schemes, says its not poll gimmick". Business Standard India. 5 September 2012. Retrieved 9 September 2021.
- ^ a b c "Neo-natal: 'Khilkhilat' van attends its first case in Gandhinagar". The Times of India. 6 September 2012. Retrieved 9 September 2021.
- ^ "CM forms new body for drug delivery". Indian Express. 5 September 2012. Retrieved 9 September 2021.
- ^ Narendra Modi dedicates Khilkhilat, Amrutam, GMSC(Photos/Videos)
- ^ I assure the poor, even in their worst illness, the Government is with them: CM at launch of health schemes
- ^ "State to make a newborn's first ride home from hospital a special one". The Indian Express. 25 February 2015. Retrieved 9 September 2021.