In a beautiful act of kindness and cooperation, Indian officials gifted 88 ambulances to their Sri Lankan counterparts in 2016. This generous gesture has blossomed into a remarkable lifeline for 1.5 million Sri Lankans over the past decade, as these ambulances have provided urgent care to countless individuals in need.

When Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially handed over the ambulances, Sri Lanka was empowered to establish its very first national emergency service, akin to the 911 in the United States or 999 in the United Kingdom. This initiative has not only transformed healthcare access but has also paved the way for a brighter future for the nation.

Today, the fleet has expanded to an impressive 322 ambulances, offering free emergency transportation services around the clock to people throughout the country. Sri Lankan Minister of Health and Media, Nalinda Jayatissa, recently expressed heartfelt gratitude for this generosity, noting that over 2.44 million people have received care through these ambulances for critical situations such as cardiac arrests, strokes, and road accidents. Remarkably, 65% of these emergencies occurred during the “golden hour,” when timely medical intervention can be life-saving.

Jayatissa shared the uplifting news that nearly 1.5 million lives have been saved thanks to this thoughtful initiative, which continues to make a profound impact on the health and well-being of Sri Lankans.

Sri Lanka has made significant strides in health and development, ranking highly on the Human Development Index with a score of 0.750. According to the World Economic Forum, the country has consistently excelled in health industry metrics, even before the arrival of these life-saving ambulances. Modern assessments show that Sri Lanka remains at the forefront of health industry development in South Asia, having eradicated several infectious diseases ahead of schedule. With a life expectancy of 75.5 years—10% higher than the global average—Sri Lanka also ranks fifth on the World Giving Index, highlighting the charitable spirit of its people.

This heartwarming story illustrates the power of goodwill and collaboration, showcasing how one generous act can ripple through a community, saving lives and fostering hope for a healthier future.