A crucial ambulance service dedicated to pregnant women across Rajasthan has faced a major disruption. Approximately 600 ambulances operating under the 104 Janani Express service came to a standstill after the state tender for the current operator, Modern Emergency Services, lapsed on December 10, 2025.
NHM Assures Continuity of Services
The National Health Mission (NHM) moved quickly to clarify that emergency medical services for expecting mothers were not compromised. Officials stated that the 108 ambulance service fleet of over 1,100 vehicles remained fully operational. Additionally, district-level ambulances and those hired on a contract basis continued to function without any reported difficulties.
Dr. Amit Yadav, the NHM Mission Director for the state, explained the transition. "The tender of the company ended on December 10, 2025, and now a new tender is in progress. A new firm will soon operate the ambulances," he said. He emphasized that patients were still receiving facilities as the government is paying for contracted private ambulances at the local level.
Allegations of Administrative Delays
However, the smooth transition claimed by officials has been contested by employee representatives. Virendra Singh Shekhawat, the state president of the Rajasthan Ambulance Employees Union, blamed administrative lapses for the crisis.
"The health department knew the contract was expiring on December 10, 2025," Shekhawat stated. He accused senior health department officials of "lethargy and negligence," pointing out that the new tender process, which should have begun six months in advance, was only initiated on November 26, 2025, and remains ongoing.
Formal Handover Directive Issued
In response to the expiry, the NHM took formal action on January 2, 2026. It issued a letter to Modern Emergency Services directing the company to hand over all 104 Janani Express ambulance vehicles to the Chief Medical and Health Officers (CMHOs) of the concerned districts within three working days.
The letter contained a stern warning: No payment would be made for any vehicle operation after midnight of December 10, 2025. It further stated that failure to hand over the vehicles within the stipulated time would lead to proceedings to forfeit the bank guarantee deposited with the department.
Dr. Yadav confirmed that following the directive, all the affected ambulances were handed over to the district CMHOs on Wednesday. The NHM has instructed these officers to ensure the operation and management of the 104 Janani Express vehicles in their districts are carried out through the Rajasthan Medical Relief Society under the respective district health society until a new operator is appointed.
