Jammu, June 9, KNT: Government Medical College (GMC) Jammu is set to introduce a prepaid ambulance service to curb overcharging and ensure transparent fares for patients requiring transportation from the hospital.
This initiative responds to long-standing public demand for a regulated ambulance system, with hospital authorities aiming to increase transparency and accountability.
Under the proposed arrangement, patients and their attendants will be able to access ambulance services at government-approved rates through a dedicated prepaid mechanism, reducing the scope for arbitrary fare demands by private operators.
Officials said the move is expected to provide significant relief to patients and their families, particularly during emergencies when transportation costs often become a matter of concern.
As part of the initiative, a dedicated counter for private ambulances is proposed to be established within the hospital premises. Authorities have reportedly reached an agreement with private ambulance operators for the creation of the counter and implementation of the prepaid system.
Officials added that around 12 ambulances are presently available, but the existing fleet is not sufficient to meet the growing demand for patient transportation services.
The proposed system is expected to streamline ambulance operations, improve availability, and ensure that patients receive safe and reliable transportation without disputes over fares.
Hospital authorities believe the prepaid facility will enhance patient convenience while creating a more organized framework for ambulance services at one of the region’s largest healthcare institutions. [KNT]
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