Kerala Government Standardises Ambulance Hire Charges Across State

The Government of Kerala, through a Notification issued by its Transport (B) Department, has introduced unified hire rates and waiting charges for various categories of ambulances operating within the State. This instrument, identified as G.O.(P) No.4/2025/Tran. and S. R. O. No. 144/2025, was published in the Kerala Gazette Extraordinary on February 12, 2025, and came into force immediately upon its publication. The issuance of these directions followed numerous representations received from the public and various organisations, which highlighted the need for standardisation in ambulance service charges. The notification was enacted in exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (1) of section 67 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 (Central Act 59 of 1988).

Under the new directions, the State Transport Authority and the Regional Transport Authorities are mandated to fix and implement these standardised rates. The schedule details specific charges for five categories of ambulances. For a D level ICU ambulance, equipped with life support and trained technicians (excluding medicine and doctor's remuneration), the minimum hire charge is set at ₹2500.00 for a distance up to 20 kilometers, including the return trip, with an additional ₹50.00 per kilometer beyond this minimum distance, and a waiting charge of ₹350.00 for every hour after the first hour. C level traveller (A/C) ambulances will have a minimum hire charge of ₹1500.00 for up to 20 kilometers, ₹40.00 per kilometer thereafter, and a waiting charge of ₹200.00 per hour after the first hour. B level traveller (Non-A/C) ambulances are set at a minimum of ₹1000.00 for up to 20 kilometers, ₹30.00 per kilometer beyond, and a waiting charge of ₹200.00 per hour after the first hour. For OMNI/EECO/BOLERO and other RTO approved A level ambulances (A/C), the minimum hire charge is ₹800.00 for up to 20 kilometers, ₹25.00 per kilometer subsequently, and a waiting charge of ₹200.00 per hour after the first hour, with an additional charge of ₹200.00 per hour for oxygen support. Similarly, for OMNI/EECO/BOLERO and other RTO approved A level ambulances (Non-A/C), the minimum hire charge is ₹600.00 for up to 20 kilometers, ₹20.00 per kilometer thereafter, and a waiting charge of ₹150.00 per hour after the first hour, also with an additional ₹200.00 per hour for oxygen support. The notification also introduced concessions, allowing a reduction of ₹2.00 per kilometer for Cancer patients and children under the age of 12 years. Furthermore, a 20% discount on the total charge is to be provided to individuals belonging to the Below Poverty Line (BPL) category when utilising ambulances equipped with ventilator ICU facilities. The State Transport Authority and Regional Transport Authorities are also tasked with ensuring that these approved rates are prominently displayed within all ambulances for the information of passengers.

The legislative intent behind this notification was to address the prevailing issue of unscientific and exorbitant hire charges for ambulance services across the State. Prior to this directive, the absence of a standardised rate structure led to inconsistencies and potential exploitation of individuals requiring emergency medical transport. The Government, having examined the matter in detail, sought to rectify these statutory gaps and limitations by introducing a uniform framework. The legislation provided: “WHEREAS, the Government are satisfied that it is necessary to fix a unified hire rate for ambulances plying across the State, in public interest, to avoid levying of unscientific and exorbitant hire charges for ambulance services in the State.” This measure aims to safeguard public interest by ensuring fair and transparent pricing for essential ambulance services. The new directions impose clear obligations on ambulance operators to adhere to the specified rates and display them, thereby enhancing accountability and consumer protection. The enforcement mechanism relies on the State and Regional Transport Authorities to oversee the implementation and compliance with these standardised charges, ensuring that the policy rationale of affordability and accessibility for critical healthcare transport is met.

Keywords: Kerala, Ambulance, Hire Charges, Motor Vehicles Act, Transport Authority, Public Interest, Standardised Rates, Notification, Government of Kerala, Healthcare Geo Tags: Country: India, State: Kerala District: Not Applicable