MoRTH Proposes Comprehensive Upgrades for Road Ambulances
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has proposed significant amendments to the standards for road ambulances in India, aiming to enhance emergency medical services and patient care during transport. The draft rules, published on July 2, 2026, introduce specialised categories of ambulances, including the Neonatal Road Ambulance, designed specifically for the safe transport of sick or premature newborns between hospitals.
Key Features of the Proposed Amendments
The proposed standards mandate that all road ambulances must meet stricter specifications for medical equipment, patient compartment design, and emergency response capabilities. The Neonatal Road Ambulance category requires incubators, ventilators, and monitoring systems tailored for infants. According to a MoRTH official, these upgrades are intended to reduce mortality rates by ensuring timely and appropriate care during transit.
Other proposed changes include standardised colour schemes, sirens, and lighting for better visibility, as well as mandatory training for ambulance staff. The ministry has invited public comments on the draft within 30 days before finalising the rules.
Impact on Emergency Medical Services
Currently, India lacks uniform standards for ambulance design and equipment, leading to variations in quality. The new rules aim to address this gap by categorising ambulances into types such as Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Life Support (ALS), and now Neonatal Road Ambulance. This classification ensures that patients receive appropriate care based on their condition.
According to a 2025 study by the Indian Council of Medical Research, nearly 30% of neonatal deaths in transit could be prevented with proper ambulance facilities. The proposed standards are expected to significantly improve outcomes for newborns and other critical patients.
