Gujarat State Aviation Infrastructure Company Limited (GUJSAIL) has inked a deal with EMRI 108 emergency service to reintroduce the earlier extant air ambulance service for medical emergencies. GUJSAIL announced that the pricing for this crucial service will remain unchanged for the benefit of the public.
Nitin Sangwan, GUJSAIL’s director, highlighted that the focus of this initiative is public service, not profit. He remarked, “There will be no price increase for patients in the new tender. Government air ambulances prioritise medical emergencies. We’ve invited private operators to oversee medical staff and the latest medical equipment.”
Sangwan pointed out the cost difference between private and government air ambulances, saying, “Private services can range from Rs 1.5 lakh to Rs 1.25 lakh per hour based on flight duration. However, our government-backed service costs just Rs 70,000-80,000 per flying hour. There’s no plan to raise these rates. Our mission is to keep air ambulance services affordable for all.”
The revamped service will be equipped with cutting-edge medical tools and will utilise the Super Air B-200 aircraft for operations. GUJSAIL has already released a new tender for the air ambulance service.
Since its launch in March 2022, the government’s air ambulance has provided critical support to 37 patients, facilitating 24 organ transfers and aiding 13 individuals during medical emergencies.
Sangwan added that the Super Air B-200 aircraft, while typically reserved for VVIPs, is made available for medical emergencies when not in use for official duties.
Vikas Bihani from EMRI 108 said, “To utilise the air ambulance, contact EMRI 108. We’ll then relay the necessary details to GUJSAIL for a price quote.”
He continued, “Once payment is settled, the patient or organ is transported to the airport by the 108 ambulance. If the destination is within Gujarat, transportation is arranged from an alternative airport in the state, with Ambulance-108 managing the transfer to the chosen hospital.”
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