To ensure timely health assistance in traffic-congested areas and lanes, the Delhi government on Thursday launched bike ambulance services.

These vehicles have been named the First Responder Vehicles and are equipped with portable oxygen cylinder, first aid kit and dressing materials, air-splints, GPS and communication device, among others.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal launched a fleet of 16 bikes at Delhi Secretariat along with Health Minister Satyendar Jain. Introduction of First Responder Vehicles is aimed towards quicker ambulance response time in congested areas and J.J. clusters in East Delhi (East, North East and Shahdara).

"Today we have taken a big step for the people of Delhi. Till now only big vehicles were available for ambulance services, now these bike ambulances will be able to reach narrow by lanes to provide immediate medical care for people residing there," Kejriwal said.

"The van ambulances were not able to reach in small lanes. Sixteen bike ambulances have been launched. The number will go up in the coming future. This will also be easy in high traffic zones," he added.

This project was approved by the Cabinet last year and had been granted Rs. 40 lakhs. "Against the sanctioned funds of Rs. 40 lakh, the project was completed at Rs. 23 lakh only," the government said.