Maharashtra Govt To Replace Ambulance Services For Emergency Contact
The Maharashtra government has ended its contract with BVG India Limited under the 108-number ambulance service. Now, 102 ambulance services will be launched for emergency medical care. On Monday, July 1, BJP MLC Pravin Datke brought an attention motion to the Legislative Council and questioned the tender process for ambulance services managed by the state's Public Health Department.This change comes after the contract with BVG India Limited was found to breach guidelines, which say that only one extension of service terms. The contract had earlier been extended twice.Health Minister Tanaji Sawant confirmed that the 108 ambulance services will be withdrawn, but measures will be taken to prevent any negative impact on patient care. The existing fleet of 957 ambulances will now operate under the new 102 service banner. A forensic audit has also been started to investigate the mismanagement within the 108 ambulance operations. Minister Sawant disclosed that the audit will look for any irregularities. The government had earlier issued an ordinance in August 2023 to regulate ambulance procurement and operations. It was later revealed that the contract had been improperly awarded to a company lacking relevant experience, which harmed both financial and health outcomes for patients.In response to these findings, the government has taken legal action against individuals suspected of mismanaging funds related to ambulance services. Minister Sawant warned that any attempts by the previous contractor to re-enter the market under a different name would be scrutinised closely.The 108 ambulance service was originally established in 2009 by then-Health Minister Suresh Shetti. In the ten years between 2014 to 2024, 108 number service helped 9,542,039 emergency cases in total.
The Maharashtra government has ended its contract with BVG India Limited under the 108-number ambulance service. Now, 102 ambulance services will be launched for emergency medical care.
On Monday, July 1, BJP MLC Pravin Datke brought an attention motion to the Legislative Council and questioned the tender process for ambulance services managed by the state's Public Health Department.
This change comes after the contract with BVG India Limited was found to breach guidelines, which say that only one extension of service terms. The contract had earlier been extended twice.
Health Minister Tanaji Sawant confirmed that the 108 ambulance services will be withdrawn, but measures will be taken to prevent any negative impact on patient care. The existing fleet of 957 ambulances will now operate under the new 102 service banner.
A forensic audit has also been started to investigate the mismanagement within the 108 ambulance operations. Minister Sawant disclosed that the audit will look for any irregularities.
The government had earlier issued an ordinance in August 2023 to regulate ambulance procurement and operations. It was later revealed that the contract had been improperly awarded to a company lacking relevant experience, which harmed both financial and health outcomes for patients.
In response to these findings, the government has taken legal action against individuals suspected of mismanaging funds related to ambulance services. Minister Sawant warned that any attempts by the previous contractor to re-enter the market under a different name would be scrutinised closely.
The 108 ambulance service was originally established in 2009 by then-Health Minister Suresh Shetti. In the ten years between 2014 to 2024, 108 number service helped 9,542,039 emergency cases in total.
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