The government is set to issue guidelines by December 2024 for availing a Rs 500 crore subsidy aimed at promoting electric ambulances under the PM E Drive scheme.
In a recent meeting in Delhi, key stakeholders discussed technical performance and safety standards for electric ambulances, focusing on different formats such as medical first responders, patient transport, Basic Life Support (BLS), and Advanced Life Support (ALS) vehicles.
According to sources at the Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI), the guidelines will be implemented before the end of 2024. Ongoing discussions are being held with stakeholders to finalize manufacturing standards for electric ambulances, which will allow hospitals and healthcare providers to procure these vehicles and claim subsidies under the PM E Drive scheme.
The MHI recently announced the Rs 10,900 crore PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E DRIVE) Scheme, which has earmarked Rs 500 crore over the next two years to promote the nationwide adoption of electric ambulances.