UT Administration fixed rates for private ambulances

The UT Administration fixed rates for private ambulances to be used by people for transporting patients. It is for inside and outside Chandigarh. The order expressing concern over allegations of patients being fleeced by private ambulances in various parts of the country.

The Chandigarh Administration indeed has set rates for private ambulance drivers or service providers. Furthermore, it is to avoid overcharging people for transporting patients inside and outside the city.

Also according to an order issued by Deputy Commissioner Mandip Singh Brar, any violation would result in legal action. This may include the suspension of the ambulance driver’s license or the suspension of the ambulance’s registration certificate.

Moreover, non-compliance with instructions may result in the ambulance being in custody and imposition of a penalty of up to Rs50,000.

Rates for private ambulances such as

Local Chandigarh, Panchkula, and SAS Nagar – Rs250 per trip up to 20 km, after 20 km at Rs10 per km (for hiring by the Health Department, UT, for Covid-19 duty)
Outstation – Rs10 per kilometre (plain area) and Rs11 per kilometre (hilly region)
Local Chandigarh, Panchkula, and SAS Nagar – Rs300 per trip up to 20 km, after 20 km at Rs12 per km (for hiring by the Health Department, UT, for Covid-19 duty)
Outstation – Rs12 per kilometre (plain area) and Rs13 per kilometre (hilly region)

Ambulance with ventilator

Fixed cost per day for 24 hours (for Covid-19 duty hired by the Health Department, UT) – Rs3,000
Local Chandigarh, Panchkula, and SAS Nagar – Rs400 for up to 20 km, then Rs15 per km after that.
Outstation – Rs15 per kilometre (plain area) and Rs16 per kilometre (mountainous area) (hill area)

Rate for private ambulance waiting are Rs100 per hour or part thereof.

Hence, any violation of this order would result in legal proceedings, which could include the revocation of the ambulance driver’s licence, the cancellation of the ambulance’s registration certificate, the impounding of the vehicle/ambulance, and the imposition of a penalty beginning at Rs 50,000 in the case of non-compliance with the orders.

Mansi Ghai