Bhubaneswar: Expressing concern over high rates charged by private ambulance operators during Covid-19 pandemic, the state government Monday fixed ceiling prices for various categories of ambulances run by private hospitals and operators.
As per an order of the state commerce and transport department, small category private ambulances like Maruti Omni, Tata Magic and Maruti Eco (vehicles costing up to Rs8 lakh) will charge Rs 750 up to 10 kilometres. If they are fitted with life support equipment with a medical technician, they can charge maximum Rs 1,000 up to 10 km (per call).
Similarly, medium category private ambulances (Rs 8 to Rs10 lakh) like Mahindra Bolero will charge Rs 1,000 up to a distance of 10 km. If they are fitted with life support system with a technician, they can charge Rs 1,500 for the same distance.
Large category private ambulances (Above Rs 10 lakh) like Tata Winger/Force, Traveller and Tata 407 can charge a maximum of Rs 1250 for each call. With life support system, they can charge Rs 2,000 for 10 km. Large category ambulances with advanced life-supporting system can charge Rs 3,000 up to 10 km
Private ambulances used for only transportation of patients have been allowed to charge Rs 30 per additional km exceeding 10 km while the ambulances with life support and advanced life support systems can charge Rs 50 per additional km exceeding 10 km.
The maximum price is inclusive of basic services like oxygen, ambulance equipment, PPE kit, gloves, mask, face shield, sanitisation, driver and emergency medical technician. For administration of medication (injectable/oral) including oxygen on board, the ambulance operator can charge additional cost, the order said.
Hiring charges of patient transport ambulance (PTA), basic life support (BLS) ambulance and advance life support (ALS) ambulances will be revised from time to time based on changes in fuel prices.
If any private ambulance operator is found violating the order, the government will take action as per the provisions laid down under the Motor Vehicle Act, 1988.
This government’s directive came in the wake of reports that private ambulances charge thrice to five times the normal cost for transportation of patients, epically Covid-infected patients.
PNN
