By December 2024, the government is expected to release guidelines for obtaining a Rs 500 crore subsidy intended to promote electric ambulances through the PM E Drive program. Key stakeholders recently met in Delhi to examine the safety requirements and technical performance of electric ambulances. The discussion focused on several forms, including medical first responders, patient transport, Basic Life Support (BLS), and Advanced Life Support (ALS) vehicles.
The Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) will put the guidelines into effect by the end of 2024, according to sources within the organization. Hospitals and other healthcare organizations will be able to purchase electric ambulances and be eligible for subsidies under the PM E Drive program once manufacturing requirements for these vehicles are finalized, according to ongoing discussions with stakeholders.
In order to encourage the widespread use of electric ambulances, the MHI recently unveiled the Rs 10,900 crore PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E DRIVE) Scheme, which has set aside Rs 500 crore over the following two years.