The Himachal Pardesh govt. has launched a free ambulance service to provide timely medical aid to residents during emergencies. With the launch of the service, the residents of six districts Shimla, Sirmaur, Solan, Una, Hamirpur, Kangra and Bilaspur districts would be able to get round-the-clock ambulance service by making a phone call at toll free number 108. Chief minister Mr. Prem Kumar Dhumal, in the first phase, flagged off 50 ambulances today. Principal Secretary (Health) P.C. Dhiman said the service would soon be extended to the remaining districts, except Kinnaur and Lahaul and Spiti districts.