India overhauls its public ambulance network with hefty fines for delays and poor care

Dr Sonia Lal Gupta, neurologist and joint chief executive of the Metro Group of Hospitals, said rapid emergency services are essential for conditions such as stroke, cardiac arrest, trauma and respiratory distress as time is of the essence. “Imposing fines for late arrivals, non-functioning ambulances and shortages of medicines and qualified staff will increase the accountability and efficiency of the service. Real-time GPS integration will help reduce response times and improve coordination between ambulances and hospitals.”