Ministry of Health and Family Welfare launched the National Ambulance Services (NAS) in 2012 as part of the National Health Mission (NHM). It is currently operational in 36 States and Union Territories across the country. The NHM plays a crucial role by offering both technical and financial support to these States and UTs, helping them enhance their healthcare systems, particularly in the area of emergency patient transportation through NAS.

Each State and UT has the autonomy to choose the implementation model for NAS that best meets their specific needs and circumstances. The NHM provides assistance for both operational costs and capital expenditures related to various types of ambulances, including Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Life Support (ALS) vehicles. Additionally, innovative solutions such as bike and boat ambulances are available to reach remote and hard-to-access areas, ensuring that emergency medical services are accessible to all.

To ensure a balanced and effective response to healthcare needs, we follow population-based norms for ambulance distribution set by the NHM. For every 500,000 people, one Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulance is recommended, while one Basic Life Support (BLS) ambulance is suggested for every 100,000 people. This strategic allocation helps us respond efficiently to emergencies across diverse regions. In addition to the centralized pool of 3,044 ALS and 15,283 BLS ambulances, additional ambulances are stationed at key healthcare facilities like District Hospitals (DHs) supported through multiple financing sources

The availability of ambulances across different regions is guided by population-based norms under the National Health Mission to ensure equitable distribution. However, variations may exist due to factors such as geographic terrain, population density and specific healthcare needs of different regions. Moreover, deployment of ambulance is a function of the State.

With regard to the Patient Transport Vehicles (PTVs), they are essential for medical transportation, yet they do not represent the largest portion of the ambulance fleet currently available. According to the NHM-MIS data from June 2024, Basic Life Support (BLS) ambulances account for the largest segment with 15,283 units, followed by PTVs at 3,918, and Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulances at 3,044.

Ambulance Fleet Data as per NHM-MIS (June 2024)

Type of Ambulance	Number of Units
Basic Life Support (BLS)	15,283
Advanced Life Support (ALS)	3,044
Patient Transport Vehicles (PTVs)	3,918

 

Given that Health is a State subject, the primary responsibility for ensuring the availability of ambulances rests with the State and Union Territory (UT) Governments. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) plays a supportive role by providing both financial and technical assistance to these States and UTs.

States and UTs have the flexibility to propose specific types and quantities of ambulances needed, along with the associated operational costs. This proposal process is informed by a thorough analysis of requirements and performance evaluations of existing ambulances within their jurisdictions.

The Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Shri Prataprao Jadhav stated this in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.

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MV

HFW/ Update on National Ambulance Scheme/11 March 2025/4

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