In a significant step toward transforming emergency healthcare delivery in India, Apollo Hospitals has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with The ePlane Company to explore the country’s first electric air ambulance network.
The partnership aims to integrate electric air ambulances and medical delivery drones into Apollo’s emergency care ecosystem, enhancing rapid access to specialized treatment for patients in both urban and remote regions. The initiative is expected to support faster patient transfers, organ transportation, and delivery of critical medical supplies, helping reduce delays during life-threatening emergencies.
With trauma, stroke, and cardiac emergencies often requiring treatment within the crucial “golden hour,” the collaboration seeks to leverage ePlane’s electric aviation technologies alongside Apollo Hospitals’ nationwide healthcare network and its 1066 ambulance service. The goal is to improve emergency response times and strengthen access to advanced medical care across the country.
Dr. Prathap C. Reddy, Founder and Chairman of Apollo Hospitals Group, said the initiative reflects the organization’s commitment to ensuring timely medical assistance reaches even the most remote and underserved communities. He noted that many lives are lost because patients are unable to access critical care quickly enough, and innovative transportation solutions can help bridge this gap.
Prof. Satya Chakravarthy, Founder and Chief Technology Officer of The ePlane Company, said the collaboration will explore how electric aircraft and drones can reduce the time between an accident and definitive treatment. He emphasized that faster medical transport can be especially impactful for patients living far from specialized trauma and emergency care facilities.
As part of the collaboration, the two organizations will evaluate the deployment of The ePlane Company’s e200X electric air ambulance platform and Amber Wings medical drones, subject to regulatory approvals and operational feasibility. If successfully implemented, the initiative could mark a major advancement in technology-enabled emergency healthcare and air medical transport in India.