Real-time tracking, improved services key features of proposed Maharashtra Ambulance Policy

Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik announced a proposed Maharashtra State Ambulance Policy to regulate ambulance services across the state.

The policy includes real-time digital monitoring of all registered ambulances, with an integrated digital platform and four apps for citizens, drivers, tablets in ambulances, and government authorities.

The citizen app will allow users to locate the nearest ambulance, track its live location, see estimated arrival time, get video guidance, and check fare before booking.

The driver app will handle duty status, call acceptance, navigation, training records, and performance monitoring; tablets in ambulances will let paramedics record patient data, vital signs, and communicate with hospitals.

Around 1,076 ambulances operate under the MEMS-108 project, and an estimated 4,500-5,000 ambulances are run by private hospitals and NGOs, but there is currently no unified system for tracking or fare information.