Under the garb of the current COVID crisis, the ambulance service providers in Lucknow were charging unjustified prices, taking advantage of the patient’s vulnerable condition. Taking quick cognisance of this, the Lucknow administration has released a new price tally for ambulance services and strict action shall be taken, if the rates are not adhered to. All complaints regarding overpricing can be registered at the Police Helpline number- 112 or Traffic Helpline number- 9454405155.
Here’s the slab of new rates-
| Type of Ambulance | Price till 10 Km | Additional Rate/Km after 10 Km |
| Non-Oxygenated Ambulance | ₹1,000 | ₹100 |
| Oxygenated Ambulance | ₹1,500 | ₹100 |
| Ventilator Supported Ambulance (Bi-PAP Ambulance) |
₹2,500 | ₹200 |
A step towards providing relief to COVID patients in the city
The Lucknow District Magistrate has exercised his powers entailed in the ‘Epidemic Disease Act 1897’ and ‘Uttar Pradesh Pandemic COVID-19 Manual’ while taking this decision. As per the orders released by the administrative authorities, the prices shall be applicable for one trip at a time. Ambulance service providers will only charge the fare for taking the patient to the hospital and asking for a return fee is not permitted.
While the current circumstances have definitely brought in a state of a medical emergency, the families of COVID patients are also burdened by huge financial burdens. Given the current scenario, this step would provide relief to a large count of citizens.
In order to ensure the successful implementation of this initiative, Deputy Police Commissioner Khyati Garg and Divisional Traffic Officer Vidisha Singh, have been deputed as the nodal officers. If any violation of the stated provisions is encountered, their offices can be contacted for prompt and immediate action.
