In a major push to strengthen Himachal Pradesh’s healthcare infrastructure and promote public health awareness, Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, along with Health Minister Dr. (Col.) Dhani Ram Shandil, flagged off 26 new Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulances under the National Ambulance Service (108). The new additions bring the total fleet strength to 267 ambulances across the state. The Chief Minister also launched the “Tobacco-Free Youth” campaign from his official residence, Oak Over, in Shimla.
These newly launched ALS ambulances are fitted with 19 critical life-saving medical devices, including transport ventilators, ECG machines, oxygen cylinders, emergency ambu bags, and blood pressure monitors. Each ambulance will be staffed with trained medical technicians available round the clock to provide emergency care. The vehicles will be deployed at government medical colleges, district and civil hospitals, and remote areas, ensuring quick and efficient response during medical emergencies.
Speaking on the occasion, CM Sukhu emphasized the government’s commitment to building world-class healthcare infrastructure in Himachal Pradesh. “These advanced ambulances will significantly improve emergency response times and ensure that patients, even in remote regions, receive timely medical support,” he said.
Congratulating the Health Department on the launch of the Tobacco-Free Youth Campaign, CM Sukhu said Himachal Pradesh has emerged as a leader in public health initiatives across India. The 60-day campaign, running till December 8, 2025, aims to raise awareness, prevent tobacco use, and ensure strict enforcement of tobacco control laws. These include bans on smoking in public places, prohibition of sales to minors, restrictions on advertising, and mandatory health warnings on packaging.
Highlighting the gravity of the issue, the Chief Minister noted that tobacco kills over 1.35 million people in India annually and leads to severe health conditions such as cancer, heart disease, and respiratory illnesses. He reaffirmed the government’s determination to eliminate all forms of tobacco use, including e-cigarettes and hookah bars. The police and flying squads have been directed to conduct regular enforcement drives to ensure complete compliance with tobacco bans.
The state government has also instructed local authorities to regulate tobacco vendors, enforce licensing rules, and reduce the number of tobacco outlets in both urban and rural areas. CM Sukhu directed all Deputy Commissioners and local bodies to make every school and village tobacco-free, ensuring strict adherence to the Tobacco-Free Educational Institutions Guidelines, which prohibit the sale or promotion of tobacco within and around educational campuses.
The Chief Minister also highlighted that the state offers free tobacco cessation services at medical colleges and district hospitals. Moreover, 109 ‘Naye Disha Centers’ across the state provide counseling and support to individuals seeking to quit tobacco.
During the event, CM Sukhu administered an oath of awareness to encourage citizens to abstain from tobacco use and adopt a healthier lifestyle.
Prominent dignitaries present included Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh, MLA Sanjay Awasthi, Mayor Surender Chauhan, Principal Advisor (Media) to the CM Naresh Chauhan, Secretary Health M. Sudha Devi, and Director Information and Public Relations Rajiv Kumar, among others.
