Kerala implements uniform ambulance rates, a first in the country
Kerala has become the first state in India to implement uniform rates for ambulance services. Under the new unified tariff, the minimum fare covers up to 10 kilometres, with no waiting charge for the first hour. For Category D ambulances, which are equipped with ICU and ventilator facilities, the minimum charge is Rs. 2,500, followed by Rs. 50 per additional kilometre and a waiting charge of Rs. 350 per hour. These ambulances also offer the services of technicians and doctors.
Traveller ambulances and Category C ambulances, which come with AC and oxygen facilities, will have a minimum charge of Rs. 1,500, a per-kilometer charge of Rs. 40, and a waiting charge of Rs. 200 per hour. Notably, there is no charge for transporting patients from accident sites to the nearest hospital for emergency treatment.
For non-AC Category B traveller ambulances, the minimum fare is Rs. 1,000, with a Rs. 200 waiting charge per hour and Rs. 30 per kilometre. Category A ambulances, such as Omni, Eco, and Bolero models with AC, will have a minimum fare of Rs. 800, a Rs. 200 waiting charge per hour, and Rs. 25 per kilometre. Non-AC vehicles in this category have a minimum charge of Rs. 600, with a Rs. 150 waiting charge and Rs. 20 per kilometre.
Special concessions are provided for certain groups. BPL cardholders receive a 20% fare reduction on ventilator-equipped Category C and D ambulances, while cancer patients and children under 12 years of age receive a reduction of Rs. 2 per kilometre.
To enhance the efficiency of ambulance operations, the Department of Motor Vehicles will provide special training and ID cards to drivers, along with practical driving sessions. A uniform dress code of navy blue shirts and black pants will be enforced for all drivers, and a logbook system will track vehicle trips, time, and distance. Ambulances are also required to display fare details inside the vehicle, clearly visible to the patient's bystanders. A WhatsApp number (9188961100) will be available for patients and families to report complaints related to ambulance services.
