The Home Insect Control Association (HICA), a non-profit industry body promoting the safe and responsible use of household insecticides in India, has welcomed the government’s decisive step. Over the past several months, HICA has remained in close coordination with authorities and consistently flagged concerns around mosquito agarbattis containing unapproved chemicals.

Earlier investigations into Sleep Well in Andhra Pradesh and Comfort in Mumbai confirmed through laboratory testing the presence of illegal and unapproved insecticides, prompting regulatory scrutiny and enforcement action in multiple states. Within just 15 days of the Mumbai raid and ban on ‘Comfort’, Maharashtra has now escalated its response to a statewide level, issuing a fresh circular to curb the sale of both products across the state.

Following this, the Director of Agriculture, Maharashtra, has issued a fresh statewide circular to all Divisional Joint Directors of Agriculture and Insecticide Inspectors, mandating immediate enforcement action against retailers and distributors selling “Comfort” and “Sleep Well” mosquito agarbattis. The circular instructs field authorities to carry out raids, seize illegal stock, and report all actions to the Commissionerate of Agriculture.

The Maharashtra Government has also cautioned shopkeepers and distributors that the sale and distribution of unregistered insecticide products is illegal and punishable under law, and has directed all retailers to immediately stop stocking and selling these products.

Jayant Deshpande, Hon. Secretary, Home Insect Control Association (HICA), said, “We strongly appreciate the Maharashtra government for its decisive and timely action against illegal mosquito repellent agarbattis like Comfort and Sleep Well. The misuse of illegal and unapproved chemicals in incense repellent formats is extremely concerning and poses potential risks to public. Such products are deliberately sold without regulatory approvals and mislead consumers into believing they are safe. This enforcement is in the interest of people who unknowingly buy spurious mosquito agarbattis. The government action sends a clear message that illegal manufacturers and those enabling their distribution will not be tolerated. We urge sustained action across states and advise consumers to purchase only mosquito repellents that carry a valid CIBRC registration number.”

HICA has urged retailers and distributors to ensure full compliance with regulatory requirements and advised consumers to buy only mosquito repellents that carry a valid CIR (Central Insecticide Registration) number on the packaging.

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Currently, ambulance services across India operate primarily as Patient Transportation Services (PTS). The new project envisioned by the Government of Maharashtra aims to genuinely save lives by utilizing specialized medical equipment during the critical golden hour of a patient’s emergency. The project, under the State National Health Mission, aims to provide pre-hospital health emergency services to patients in critical and non-critical conditions, utilising life support ambulances to stabilise and facilitate prompt mobilisation to nearby hospitals. The initiative covers a wide range of health emergencies, including road accidents, critical diseases, and natural calamities, among others.

 Mr. Summit Salunke, Vice Chairman of Sumeet Group Enterprises, expressed his commitment to enhancing public health infrastructure and improving quality of life for citizens of Maharashtra through this exemplary government initiative. He conveyed pride of being associated with this ventures’ far-reaching impact on patient care and improving emergency response times across urban and rural areas. He appreciates and thanks the leadership and administrators of Govt. of Maharashtra for coming up with such high specifications and bringing EMS industry in India at par with European and North American standards.

 Mr. Diego Prieto Oliver, Vice-Chairman of SSG Transporte Sanitario SL, remarked, “It is inspiring to witness Maharashtra adopt such a clear and innovative mindset with this project, raising its quality standards to align with global leaders. This initiative, which redefines emergency care as a network that brings hospital-level care to the patient, represents a substantial advancement that will revolutionize the EMS industry in India.”

Built under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Design-Build-Finance-Operate-Transfer (DBFOT) model for the first time in India, with service provider contributing to 51% of the capital expenditure and the government contributing to 49%. MEMS-108 project is set to redefine emergency medical care by integrating advanced medical technology, data analytics, and high-tech communication systems. The program is designed to ensure faster response times across urban, rural, and tribal areas throughout the state, with 24/7 medical support through a state-of-the-art Emergency Response Center (ERC), based on NG911 standards and will be staffed with a specialized team of doctors.

Additionally, there will be a robust Information, education, and communication campaign to raise awareness about these free emergency services provided by the government. Further, this initiative will bring substantial benefits to the public by creating over 14,000 jobs in both skilled and semi-skilled categories, thereby generating significant employment opportunities. The project aims to deliver equal, international-level services to all 14 crore citizens of Maharashtra, ensuring comprehensive and equitable healthcare access. The government will benefit from increased public trust and transparency through improved service delivery, as well as reduced healthcare costs due to more efficient use of resources and enhanced capabilities in pandemic and disaster management situation in the state.

The project stands as a new benchmark in emergency medical services in India, promising not only technological advancements and operational efficiency but also a sustainable model for future public-private collaborations for quality service delivery by the service providers. The New MEMS 108 Project will be rolled out across the state in five phases in the coming months.

 Fleet Key Advancements and New International Standard Benchmark Upgrades:

The upgraded fleet is based on high-end body kits of ABS/PPMA material, providing highest durability and strength. It is equipped with high-end lifesaving medical equipment. The improved standards specify the requirements based on quality of design, performance and KPI based reporting structure that are key for better patient outcomes.

New Age Technology Integrations:

Technological upgrades in ambulances now include Mobile Data Terminals (MDT), tablet PCs, RFID, GPS, caller location tracking, CCTV, TRIAGE systems, Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD), Vehicle Tracking and Management System (VTMS), and patient arrival intimation systems, compared to the previous reliance on basic mobile phones and coordination with the caller for directions.

Enhanced training modules will also be developed for preparatory and emergency training for all personnel.

Fleet size almost doubled to 1756 from earlier 937:

• Advance Life Support (ALS) Ambulances – 255
• Basic Life Support (BLS) – 1274
• Neo Natal Ambulance – 36
• First Responder Bikes – 166
• Sea boat Ambulance – 10
• River boat Ambulance – 15

The total capital expenditure procurement value has increased from approximately Rs. 240 crores for 937 ambulances (ALS-233, BLS-704) in 2013 to approximately Rs. 870 crores for 1,756 ambulances in 2024, reflecting the adoption of new international specifications and a variety of fleet types. The annual operational expenditure by the government has doubled from approximately Rs.425 crore to Rs. 800 crores, in line with the expanded service scope and doubled fleet size.

In future, the State Government also wishes to introduce forward integration initiatives like for use of Helicopters and Drones for quickest medical assistance and Patient Arrival Intimation System in All Hospitals across Maharashtra.

You can avail this free service by dialling 108, ensuring prompt and efficient response to critical situations.

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Launching of the scheme was one of the poll promises made by the Shiv Sena, which shares power with the NCP and Congress in a coalition government.

In Mumbai, district guardian minister Aslam Shaikh inaugurated the “Shiv Bhojan Thali” canteen at the civic-run Nair hospital.

A similar centre was unveiled by Tourism Minister and Mumbai suburban district guardian minister Aaditya Thackeray at the collector”s office in Bandra.

Guardian ministers of Pune and Nashik, Ajit Pawar and Chhagan Bhujbal formally launched the scheme in their respective districts.

Under the pilot scheme, at least one ”Shiv Bhojan” canteen has been started at the district headquarters and according to officials, guardian ministers and other dignitaries inaugurated the centers in various districts.

The ”thali” consists of two chapatis, one vegetable, rice and dal. The thalis would be available for people between 12 noon and 2 pm, officials said, adding that each canteen is going to serve at least 500 thalis (plates) per day.

On the inaugural day, scores of people queued up at many such centres at various places.
While some people praised the scheme and quality of food, some others demanded that the existing two-hour time be extended.

“The goal of the scheme is to provide affordable and quality food to all, irrespective of caste, creed, religion and financial status,” tweeted Aaditya Thackeray, after the inauguration of the center.

The state government is expected to incur an expenditure of Rs 6.4 crore for the pilot ”Shiv Bhojan” thali project that will run for three months.

Even though the customer will have to pay just Rs 10 per thali, the actual cost of the food will be Rs 50 each in urban centres and Rs 35 in rural areas. The balance amount will be given as grant to the district collectorate, according to officials.

The decision on extending the scheme to other parts of the state would be dependent upon the response.

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