Having found state governments gaining political mileage through a Centre-sponsored scheme, the Union health ministry has set up new guidelines for the ambulances provided to the states under the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM). The Union health ministry has asked the states and UTs to display “National Anbulance Service” on the ambulances, they will have common background collar (white), similar emblems, markings and colour schemes. The ambulances will also carry the logo of NRHM as well as the name National Ambulance Service.
According to the new guidelines the ambulances will also have to carry numbers 102-108 (toll free) in red collar not below 10 cm along with the design of phone receiver will be displayed. “A joint initiative of MoHFW, Government of India and name of the state will be written on all ambulances.
The guidelines were circulated to the states and UTs after it came to the notice of the government that some states/UTs were designating their own names to ambulances made available under NRHM. “It was seen that Punjab had used the picture of their Chief minister on these ambulances. This was clearly a misuse, an ambulance can not have an individual’s picture. The idea is also to make them look alike. The instructions and the new guidelines were henceforth sent to all the states and UTs,” a senior official said. According to the health ministry officials the states have been asked to adhere to the guidelines by April , 2013.
Started on pilot basis, the ambulances are run by private companies. The bills are paid to the contractors on the basis of the trips taken by the ambulance. The NRHM fixes at least five trips everyday for the ambulances. “The launch of 108 ambulance services added to the strength of medical referral transport. All ambulances comprise of basic life support system and is provided free of cost,” added the official.