The Health Ministry is bringing out Ambulance Service Operation Guidelines-2073 aimed at regulating the ambulance service in the country. 

The guidelines come into force once approved by the Cabinet. The directives will end rampant fees being charged by ambulance operators and help operate the services in a systematic and efficient way. 

“The guidelines aim to increase quality of the ambulance service and people’s access to it. Ambulances being run by government, semi-government and other organisations fall within the purview of the directives,” said Pratap Poudel, chief advisor to Health Minister Gagan Kumar Thapa. 

According to the directives, ambulance is categorised into three groups, A, B and C with its installed flashing blue lights and a siren. The vehicle should have four-wheel drive, air suspension and co-chain system. The word AMBULANCE shall be seen at the back and at front of the vehicle, which is spelled out in reverse. The contact numbers written both in Nepali and English shall be placed on both sides of the ambulance. Any signage and other images outside of what is prescribed by the ministry are not allowed.

The ambulance vehicle should have an engine with a capacity of more than 1,000cc. Installing a seat behind the driver’s seat is prohibited, the guideline says. An ambulance operating with tax exemption from the government should clearly mention the fact. 

The directives also mention the driver’s qualification and have a code of conduct. Anyone found flouting the directives will be booked and his or her licence would be scrapped.