In a first in India, to ensure emergency care is an affordable reality, Kerala has announced an uniform fare system for ambulances.
Published Sep 25, 2024 | 12:20 PM ⚊ Updated Sep 25, 2024 | 12:20 PM
Representative image of an ambulance
Kerala has become the first state in India to implement a uniform fare system for ambulance services, providing much-needed relief to patients and their families who often face unpredictable charges during medical emergencies.
State transport minister KB Ganesh Kumar announced the new tariff structure that includes various categories of ambulances, following extensive consultations with ambulance owners and labour representatives. Under the new scheme, a minimum fare will apply for the first 10 kilometres, and there will be no waiting charges for the first hour.
The new tariff structure, which covers various categories of ambulances, was announced by Transport Minister K.B. Ganesh Kumar after extensive consultations with ambulance owners and labour representatives. Under the new scheme, the minimum fare will apply for the first 10 kilometres, with no waiting charges for the first hour.
The most advanced ambulances categorised as D – equipped with ICU and ventilator facilities – will charge a minimum of ₹2,500, with an additional fee of ₹50 for each extra km and a waiting charge of ₹350 per hour. These ambulances will also provide the services of a trained technician and a doctor.
Category C ambulances, which offer air conditioning (AC) and oxygen facilities, will have a minimum charge of ₹1,500, a per-kilometer rate of ₹40, and a waiting fee of ₹200 per hour.
Non-AC traveler ambulances categorized under B will start at ₹1,000, with a charge of ₹30 per kilometer and a waiting fee of ₹200 per hour.
For smaller AC ambulances, such as Omni, Eeco, and Bolero, which fall under Category A, the base fare will be ₹800, with an additional charge of ₹25 per kilometer and a waiting fee of ₹200 per hour. Non-AC vehicles in this category will start at ₹600, with a per-kilometer rate of ₹20 and a waiting charge of ₹150 per hour.
In a significant relief measure for accident victims, ambulances in Kerala will transport patients from accident sites to the nearest hospital free of charge. Additionally, ambulance owners have committed to providing discounts for certain groups.
Below Poverty Line (BPL) cardholders will receive a 20 percent discount on ventilator-equipped Category C and D ambulances. Additionally, cancer patients and children under 12 years of age will benefit from a reduction of ₹2 per km.
The Motor Vehicles Department will provide special training and cards for ambulance drivers. They will also receive uniforms—navy blue shirts and black pants—and additional practical driving training to ensure safer and more professional service.
To promote transparency, tariffs will be clearly displayed inside the ambulances. Logbooks will be maintained to prevent misuse, and a dedicated WhatsApp number for ambulance assistance will soon be introduced, in addition to the existing helpline number – 9188961100.
The Kerala government has taken this initiative in the hope that a uniform fare system will alleviate the financial strain on patients and their families, especially during medical emergencies, while ensuring high-quality ambulance services throughout the state.
(Edited by Neena with inputs from Dileep V Kumar)
