Strengthening India’s EMS network must be a national priority

India’s emergency medical services (EMS) are in a dire state, putting countless lives at risk every day. Data shows that one in 10 patients die during transit, and with over 1.72 lakh road accident fatalities in 2023 (1), the absence of a strong EMS system is a national crisis. 

Alarmingly, 90 per cent of ambulances lack essential medical equipment, 95 per cent are operated by untrained personnel, and 98.5 per cent are primarily used to transport the deceased rather than respond to emergencies (2). As of 2024, 17,495 ambulances were in operation and only 3,441 were Advanced Life Support (ALS) units, an alarming shortfall for a country of 1.4 billion people. The lack of a unified, round-the-clock toll-free ambulance service further weakens emergency response, leaving critical patients helpless. 

Addressing this requires urgent systemic reforms, including advanced technology integration, real-time communication, and stronger public-private collaboration to ensure faster, life-saving interventions.

Key challenges hindering EMS efficiency

Despite its crucial role in saving lives, the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) sector in India faces a lot of challenges that hinder its ability to deliver timely and high-quality emergency care. Addressing these roadblocks are important to build more responsive and effective emergency healthcare infrastructure in India.

Ineffective communication systems: The lack of seamless, real-time connectivity between ambulances and hospitals results in delayed diagnosis and treatment initiation. We must look for an integrated digital network that can enhance coordination and ensure patients receive timely medical interventions.

Limited advanced medical equipment: Many ambulances operate without essential life-saving tools such as portable intensive care units and automated medication dispensers. Both private and public stakeholders should come together and look for investing in state-of-the-art equipment that can significantly improve patient stabilisation and survival rates.

Traffic congestion and navigation problems: Traffic congestion continues to be a major obstacle, often preventing ambulances from reaching patients and hospitals on time. Smart traffic management solutions, such as priority lanes and AI-powered navigation, can help optimise response times.

Lack of a standardised EMS framework: The absence of standardised regulations leads to inconsistent emergency response protocols across regions. Establishing a unified, well-regulated EMS ecosystem will ensure accessible and efficient emergency care nationwide.

Hi-tech ambulances: A transformative solution

The incorporation of technology into emergency medical services is transforming both emergency response and patient treatment. High-tech ambulances with cutting-edge features can improve coordination, quicker response times, and better medical interventions. By integrating advanced navigation, real-time connectivity, and state-of-the-art medical equipment, high-tech ambulances are transforming the way patients receive urgent treatment, bridging the crucial gap between accident sites and hospitals.

IoT and smart connectivity for seamless coordination: An emergency response system is only as strong as its ability to coordinate seamlessly between ambulances and hospitals. The integration of IoT-enabled medical devices allows for real-time patient monitoring, transmitting vital data to hospital teams before the ambulance arrives. AI-driven diagnostics further assist in assessing a patient’s condition remotely, helping medical teams prepare the necessary resources in advance. This level of synchronisation ensures that patients receive immediate attention upon arrival, cutting down on delays that could prove fatal.

Cutting-edge life-saving equipment: High-tech ambulances are now functioning as mobile ICUs, equipped with ventilators, defibrillators, and automated medication dispensers. These advancements enable paramedics to administer critical care on-site, drastically improving survival rates. 

Smarter, faster navigation with AI and telemedicine: One of the most pressing challenges in EMS is overcoming traffic congestion and ensuring ambulances reach patients and hospitals as swiftly as possible. AI-powered navigation systems equipped with real-time traffic monitoring help ambulances identify the fastest routes and adapt dynamically to road conditions. Additionally, telemedicine capabilities allow paramedics to connect with doctors via live video consultations, ensuring that critical medical interventions begin even before reaching the hospital. This real-time guidance can be the key to stabilising patients in transit and preparing hospitals for their arrival.

The Role of PPPs in strengthening India’s EMS

In India, Public-Private Partnerships are key to transforming EMS by addressing critical challenges such as ambulance shortages, delayed response times, and uneven healthcare access. Such collaborations can facilitate:

Bridging gaps between global & local expertise: Combining global advancements with India’s regional healthcare insights can enhance EMS efficiency, especially in underserved areas.

Tech-enabled emergency response: AI-powered ambulances, GPS-based tracking, and real-time patient data sharing can significantly reduce response times and improve critical care, aligning with initiatives like Ayushman Bharat.

Scalable & inclusive healthcare: Strategic alliances between government agencies, hospitals, and private players can expand EMS reach, ensuring affordable and timely medical transportation for all, including rural populations.

By facilitating such PPP models, India can build a robust, technology-driven EMS ecosystem that saves lives and improves healthcare accessibility nationwide.

In an emergency, every second counts and the future of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) hinges on how effectively we use technology to bridge the gap between crisis and care. Imagine an ambulance that doesn’t just transport patients but also delivers critical care on the move, guided by AI-driven diagnostics, IoT-enabled tracking, and real-time telemedicine support. With these advancements, EMS should be evolving from a reactive system to a proactive, life-saving force, one that is faster, smarter, and more precise than ever before. 

References:

• https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/rising-road-accidents-in-india

• https://arjasrikanth.in/2025/03/31/dying-to-get-there-indias-ambulance-crisis-is-a-national-emergency/