Jalandhar administration fixes ambulance charges for Covid patients

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, May 1

Two days after The Tribune highlighted the issue related to overcharging by private ambulance operators, the district administration has swung into action and capped ambulance charges for the Covid-19 patients.

Taking cognisance of the report, Jalandhar Deputy Commissioner Ghanshyam Thori on Saturday fixed rates of private ambulances in the district.

From now onwards, Rs 1,200 have been fixed for the first 15 km and an additional Rs 12 per km for additional distance in BLS ambulance up to 2,000 cc with basic life support.

Similarly, for an ambulance above 2,000 cc, a minimum of Rs 1,500 for the first 15 km and an additional Rs 15 per km for extra distance. An ambulance equipped with advanced cardiac life-support, fare has been fixed at Rs 2,000 for the first 15 km and Rs 20 per km for additional travel.

In addition, if an ambulance drops a Covid-19 patient within the city up to 10 km, Rs 1,000 would be charged followed by Rs 600 and Rs 800 up to 10 km for ambulances below and above 2,000 cc, respectively.

Thori said, the administration has also issued another set of instructions for ambulances, including availability of masks, gloves and PPE kits for attendants at customers’ expense.

Hospitals have been allowed to charge Rs 1,500 in case of sending paramedics in ventilator enabled ambulances. He said ambulances would not claim additional charges for oxygen gas and plant owners have been directed to fill oxygen cylinders in ambulances on a priority basis and at controlled prices.

Stern action would be taken against those who charge more than the fixed rates from patients and case would be registred under the Epidemic Act, said the DC.

Helpline numbers (0181-2224417, 5073123) have been issued to complain against overcharging by ambulance operators.