Vijayawada: Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav has flagged off 102 ambulance services involving ‘Thalli Bidda Express’ vehicles that have modern facilities for transport of pregnant women to government hospitals for delivery and bring both the mother and infant back to home after delivery. The event was held at the area hospital of Narasaraopeta in Palnadu district. The minister said that as part of the government’s commitment to empower women, a plan is on to recruit women as drivers for the 102 ambulance services. The102 ambulance services, he said, are aimed at extending transportation service to women from the time of their pregnancy to delivery, as also during health emergencies. The minister said a total of 500 new 102 ambulances are to be pressed into service in the state.