Mumbai News: BMC To Deploy 20 Ambulances Across Suburban Hospitals To Improve Patient Transfer

Mumbai: In a significant move to enhance emergency medical services, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has decided to deploy 20 ambulances — including 17 basic and 3 cardiac units — across its major and suburban hospitals. These ambulances, to be taken on a rental basis, will soon be operational at facilities such as KEM, Nair, Sion, and Cooper hospitals, as well as 16 other civic-run hospitals in the suburbs.

Due to the unavailability of dedicated ambulances in suburban hospitals, patients were often forced to rely on expensive private services, especially during inter-hospital transfers. This proved unaffordable for many poor and underprivileged patients who frequent civic hospitals.

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Responding to the long-standing demand, the BMC had approved a proposal in February 2024 to hire ambulances for a period of two years. The total estimated cost stands at ₹12.37 crore. Civic officials confirmed that the ambulances will be introduced shortly, significantly easing the burden on patients and reducing dependence on private operators.

As per the approved plan, the rental rates for the ambulances are as follows:

• First Year:

  • Basic Ambulance: Rs 2,529 per shift

  • Cardiac Ambulance: Rs 3,519 per shift

• Second Year:

  • Basic Ambulance: Rs 2,808 per shift

  • Cardiac Ambulance: Rs 3,907 per shift