Gujarat to add 89 ambulances to improve tribal emergency response

The Gujarat government is expanding its emergency healthcare network by adding 89 new ambulances to its tribal districts. This initiative aims to reduce the average emergency response time in these regions from approximately 18 minutes and 32 seconds to around 10 minutes.

The expansion will increase the total ambulance fleet in identified tribal areas from 553 to 642 vehicles. The new fleet is categorized into three types to address specific medical and geographical needs: 22 Advanced Life Support (ALS) vehicles for high-risk patients, 55 Basic Life Support (BLS) ambulances for essential transportation, and 12 four-wheel-drive (4WD) vehicles specifically designed for rough terrain, hilly landscapes, and areas prone to monsoon-related disruptions.

Currently, response times in Gujarat vary significantly by location. While urban areas average about 9 minutes and 55 seconds, rural areas average 16 minutes and 28 seconds, with tribal regions recording the longest delays. The deployment seeks to bridge this gap and improve access to care during the critical ‘Golden Hour’ following a medical emergency.