Odisha to Regulate Private Ambulance Services with New Registration Drive

Bhubaneswar: In a significant move aimed at improving emergency healthcare services, the Odisha government has announced a campaign-mode registration drive to bring all private ambulance services under a standardized regulatory framework.

The initiative, spearheaded by the Commerce & Transport Department, was discussed in a high-level meeting chaired by Principal Secretary Usha Padhee. It seeks to streamline private ambulance operations, ensure greater transparency, and enhance the real-time deployment of emergency transport services across the state.

A key focus of the meeting was the creation of a verified and comprehensive database of private ambulance operators. The government aims to address the vital role these services play, particularly in remote and underserved areas, by enforcing operational consistency and better accessibility for citizens.

To encourage compliance, the state plans to offer incentives to private ambulance operators who register and adhere to the new service guidelines. In tandem, strict enforcement mechanisms will be introduced to crack down on unauthorized or exploitative practices within the sector.

A major highlight of the initiative is the integration of all registered ambulances with the Vehicle Location Tracking System (VLTS), enabling GPS-based monitoring and improving emergency response times. Additionally, officials confirmed plans to link these services with the Odisha Yatri App, creating a user-friendly digital platform for citizens to book and access ambulances conveniently.

To address concerns over arbitrary pricing, the department is developing a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for fare regulation. This fare structure will be indexed to the Consumer Price Index (CPI), ensuring affordability and fairness across regions and over time.

This regulatory push is part of the state’s broader vision to create a future-ready, inclusive, and citizen-centric healthcare and transportation ecosystem.