108 Ambulance Project in Maharashtra to Begin Soon

This initiative aims to improve emergency medical care across Maharashtra over the next decade.

Sumeet Facilities, in partnership with Grupo SSGMatrix of Spain and BVG India, will implement the new Maharashtra Emergency Medical Services (MEMS) 108 ambulance project. 

This initiative to improve emergency medical care across Maharashtra over the next decade is expected to be rolled out in five phases over the coming months, setting a new standard for emergency medical services in India.

The MEMS 108 project represents a substantial shift from the current ambulance services in India, primarily focused on patient transportation. 

This project will introduce advanced medical equipment and technologies to enhance service efficiency. It will employ a new operational model designed to improve response times and the quality of care during critical emergencies.

The Government of Maharashtra has envisioned this project to address various health emergencies, including road accidents, severe illnesses, and natural disasters. 

The initiative will ensure that life support ambulances are equipped to stabilize patients and facilitate rapid transportation to hospitals.

Summit Salunke, VC of Sumeet Group Enterprises, said, "Through this initiative, we are committed to enhancing public health infrastructure and improving the quality of life for Maharashtra's citizens. We are proud to be part of a project that aims to elevate patient care and emergency response times across urban and rural areas."

Project Roadmap

The MEMS 108 project will be implemented under a public-private partnership (PPP) model, with Sumeet Facilities and Grupo SSGMatrix covering 51% of the capital expenditure, while the Maharashtra government will contribute 49%. 

This marks the first instance of a large-scale project using a Design-Build-Finance-Operate-Transfer (DBFOT) model in India.

The project will include the development of a state-of-the-art Emergency Response Centre (ERC) based on NG911 standards. 

This center will provide 24/7 medical support and be staffed by a team of doctors. Technological upgrades in the ambulances will feature Mobile Data Terminals (MDT), tablet PCs, RFID, GPS, CCTV, TRIAGE systems, Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD), and Vehicle Tracking and Management Systems (VTMS).

"It is inspiring to witness Maharashtra adopt such a clear and innovative mindset with this project, raising its quality standards to align with global leaders. This initiative redefines emergency care by bringing hospital-level care to the patient," Diego Prieto Oliver, VC of SSG Transporte Sanitario SL, remarked.

Enhanced Training & Employment Opportunities

In addition to technological advancements, the project will include enhanced training modules for all personnel. The MEMS 108 initiative will also create over 14,000 jobs in various skilled and semi-skilled categories, contributing to significant employment growth.

The project involves a significant increase in capital expenditure, from approximately INR 240 Cr for 937 ambulances in 2013 to INR 870 Cr for 1,756 ambulances in 2024. 

This increase reflects the adoption of new international standards and a larger fleet size. The government's annual operational expenditure will rise from approximately INR 425 Cr to INR 800 Cr, aligning with the expanded service scope.

Future plans for the MEMS 108 project include using helicopters and drones to expedite medical assistance and patient transportation across Maharashtra.