Maharashtra: Govt to acquire private ambulances to stop looting of patients

Mumbai- The district authorities have decided to acquire ambulances as well as private vehicles to move coronavirus infected patients to the hospitals.  The charges for these vehicles will also be fixed beforehand. This measure is being taken to provide healthcare to COVID-19 patients as soon as possible. 

Maharashtra remains the worst-hit state due to COVID-19 contagion. The state is witnessing a rapid increase in positive cases,  highlighting the need for more ambulances to shift patients to the hospitals. In an attempt to fix the issue, soon the ambulances of private hospitals as well as volunteering organisations will be provided for patients. If required then vehicles from the private providers will be acquired and will be used as ambulances to match the requirements. 

The Health Minister of the State, Rajesh Tope said, “The procedure of acquiring vehicles will be done by the Collector (Excluding area of Municipal Corporation) and Commissioner of Municipal Corporation (in the area of Municipal Corporation).”

In the last few months, there have been several complaints regarding charging extra money for an ambulance. But with the move, these complaints are expected to be solved. 

These newly made available ambulances will be available for 24 hours and will also have smartphones and an internet connection. 
The toll-free emergency number 108 will be available on the phones. These phones will also be connected to the system created by district collector as well as commissioner of Municipal Corporation. 

To contact the ambulance, patients can call om 108 or also can connect through control room established by local authorities.

The RTO (Regional Transport Office) will be responsible for deciding the rates of the vehicles, considering which the rate per kilometre charges will be provided. 

For ambulances without a driver, will be rented on a monthly basis and drivers will be made available.