Chandigarh, Nov 14 : Haryana Saturday launched a new service, which will enable

people from all parts of the state to avail an ambulance by dialling 102.

Called the 'Haryana Swasthya Vaahan Sewa No. 102', the service will be available in cities, towns and even rural areas, health officials said.

The first ambulance was launched by Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda at Panchkula, 10 km from here.

At least 319 new ambulances were launched and 100 more would be added soon, officials said.

Hooda said the ambulance service would be free to the patients below poverty line (BPL), residents of notified slum areas, victims of road accidents, pregnant women, families of freedom fighters and ex-servicemen.

Hooda also announced that four eye banks were being planned for the state and all 21 districts would soon have eye donation centres.(IANS)