India being the second most populous country in the world manages vital healthcare services well. However, when it comes to air ambulance services, the country still has a long way to go. There are a few private players in the country but affordability remains a big question. Not all health insurance providers cover air ambulance services in the country. This has necessitated that the country’s government intervene and make the service both affordable and reachable for the common man.
The Government Plays a Role in Making Air Ambulance Services Accessible
The Ministry of Aviation in India is planning air ambulance services for the country. The new Helicopter emergency medical services will start at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Rishikesh, India. The service will soon be available all over the country to improve medical assistance and help people get to a hospital faster. The government spokesperson says that Air Ambulances are soon going to be operational, and a request for proposal (RFP) will be invited in the next couple of weeks for AIIMS Rishikesh so that helicopters can be pushed into service. If the implementation is successful, it will hugely benefit the nation that witnesses several auto accidents each year. Besides, the remote parts of the country will enjoy greater access to quality health care.
The Country’s Current Air Ambulance Landscape
This aircraft offers critical service in the first hour following an accident to assist victims with life-threatening trauma. In India, there are about 19 air ambulance providers. According to the information given to Parliament, almost 4,100 people have used a piece of these ambulances in the last few years.
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is seeking Expressions of Interest (EoI) from air operators who could provide a helicopter for the capacity of an air ambulance with EMS capability for a period of six months.
