Concerns arise regarding potential shortage as older ambulances face ban

Chitwan, Nov 19: There are growing worries about a lack of ambulances following the Ministry of Health and Population's announcement that ambulances older than 10 years will no longer be permitted to operate. Currently, 80 percent of the ambulances in use exceed this age limit, leading to concerns of a significant shortage. 

Navaraj Lamichhane, the central President of the United Ambulance Drivers' Association, said that out of the 3,300 ambulances in operation, approximately 80 percent are over 10 years old. 

He noted that among these, around 10 percent are classified as Class A, about 150 as Class B, while the remainder are Class C ambulances. He also shared that more than 80 percent of Class C ambulances are older than 10 years. 

Lamichhane further stated that nearly 80 percent of the ambulances nationwide have not undergone renewal. 

The Ministry of Health and Population issued a notice on Monday indicating that any ambulances older than 10 years, if found in operation, will have their operating permissions revoked. 

In conjunction with this, the Association released a statement warning that an immediate halt to these ambulances would result in a shortage of patient transport services. It also highlighted that many hearses are over 10 years old, which could lead to difficulties in transporting 20–25 bodies outside the capital on a daily basis. 

The Health Act, 2075 BS, specifies that only health institutions are authorized to purchase ambulances, excluding others. In light of potential shortages, the Association has called for equal rights for non-governmental organizations, community associations, and cooperatives to operate ambulances. 

The statement asserted that no form of monopoly should be enforced in the ambulance sector. The Association has urged for an immediate review and amendment of government's this decision, describing it as impractical, unjust, and inhumane, as it was made without taking into account geographical factors, road conditions, economic circumstances, and citizens' accessibility. 

Previously, the Association had also called attention of the minister on this matter.(RSS)