The Supreme Court has issued notices to the Centre and other authorities in response to a petition demanding the creation and enforcement of a national framework to ensure that all ambulances are equipped with adequate life-support systems at all times.
A Bench of Chief Justice B.R. Gavai and Justice K. Vinod Chandran, in its October 10 order, said, “Issue notice, returnable in four weeks,” agreeing to hear the plea. The petition names the Union government, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, and the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways as respondents.
Senior advocate Percival Billimoria and advocate Jasmine Damkewala appeared for petitioners Saiansha Panangipalli and Priya Sarkar. Panangipalli, daughter of renowned cardio-thoracic surgeon and former AIIMS director Dr. P. Venugopal, and Sarkar, his wife, filed the plea following Dr. Venugopal’s death during transit to a hospital due to the absence of basic life-support facilities such as oxygen in the ambulance.
The petitioners clarified that they were not pursuing adversarial litigation but were highlighting a widespread issue the lack of regulation and oversight in ambulance services, which often leads to preventable deaths.
The plea referred to the 16th Common Review Mission report of the Health Ministry under the National Health Mission, which had identified major lapses and mismanagement in ambulance operations across states. It also cited NITI Aayog’s December 2023 reports that exposed severe deficiencies including the finding that around 90% of ambulances in India operate without essential equipment or oxygen.
The petition argued that such inadequacies violate the fundamental right to life, as the absence of life-saving tools and trained staff can lead to premature deaths or reduced chances of recovery during medical emergencies.
It also pointed out that while some states have set preconditions for ambulance registration, there is no system to monitor or enforce compliance once the vehicle is registered.
The petitioners have requested the Supreme Court to direct the authorities to:
- Formulate and enforce a framework mandating minimum life-support standards in ambulances, including essential medical equipment, drugs, and supplies.
- Establish an independent committee to review the current status of ambulance operations, regulation, and maintenance.
- Set up or continue a dedicated helpline for citizens to report issues such as inadequate facilities, overcharging, reckless driving, or delays in ambulance services.