Blinkit Must Abide by Legal Norms in Ambulance Services :Piyush Goyal

The statement comes as Blinkit, known for its quick commerce operations, enters the healthcare sector with the introduction of rapid-response ambulances in Gurugram.

Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal has emphasized the need for Blinkit to ensure full compliance with legal requirements as the company rolls out its ambulance services. 

Speaking to reporters, Goyal remarked, “As regards Blinkit with ambulance service or medicines being delivered, my only submission would be that they have to make sure that they meet the law of the land, and whatever other legal requirements should be properly taken care of. No laws of the land should be broken.” The statement comes as Blinkit, known for its quick commerce operations, enters the healthcare sector with the introduction of rapid-response ambulances in Gurugram.

Ambulance Service and Healthcare Implications

Blinkit’s ambulance service, which began operations with five vehicles in Gurugram, aims to address delays in emergency medical care by providing ambulances equipped with essential life-saving tools such as oxygen cylinders, AEDs, and emergency medicines.

Albinder Dhindsa, CEO of Blinkit, has positioned the service as a long-term solution to urban healthcare challenges. “Profit is not a goal here. We will operate this service at an affordable cost for customers and invest in really solving this critical problem for the long term,” Dhindsa stated.

Despite the initiative's potential to improve emergency care accessibility, Goyal’s remarks highlight the importance of adhering to all legal and regulatory standards, ensuring the service operates within established frameworks.

Legal Compliance in Healthcare Innovation

The introduction of Blinkit’s ambulance service underscores the growing role of quick commerce companies in addressing societal needs. However, as Goyal emphasized, innovations in sectors like healthcare require rigorous adherence to laws governing patient safety, service quality, and operational ethics.

The expansion of Blinkit’s services, which already span daily essentials and consumer products, into healthcare signals a significant pivot. With plans to extend the ambulance initiative to other major cities, compliance with healthcare and transportation regulations will be crucial for sustained success.