Pregnancy Complications Account for 46% of Gujarat Boat Ambulance Calls

A review of Gujarat’s boat‑ambulance operations from April 2018 through September 2026 shows that out of 777 medical emergencies, 355 were linked to pregnancy‑related complications – a striking 46 percent share.

The bulk of these cases were attended by the Okha unit, which responded to 350 pregnancy emergencies compared with just five handled by the Porbandar boat. Many of the affected women live in Bet Dwarka and other island settlements where road links are absent, making water transport the only viable option for critical care.

The data also reveal 105 instances of acute abdominal pain, 83 non‑vehicular injuries, and 82 cardiac emergencies, underscoring the diverse health challenges faced by coastal populations.

State authorities cite the boat‑ambulance programme as a key component of their strategy to ensure equitable health access, especially for pregnant women who need timely interventions during obstetric crises.