MoRTH Proposes Key Amendments to Ambulance Standards: Strengthening Emergency Medical Services Across India

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has taken a significant step toward improving emergency healthcare by proposing comprehensive amendments to the Automotive Industry Standard (AIS)-125. These changes aim to enhance the safety, functionality, and medical capabilities of road ambulances, ensuring better outcomes for patients during critical situations.

India witnesses a high number of road accident fatalities each year, many of which can be prevented with prompt medical intervention. Timely care within the first hour after an accident — commonly known as the “golden hour” — plays a crucial role in saving lives. The proposed amendments align with broader national efforts to strengthen pre-hospital care, including schemes that provide assured treatment for road accident victims. Equipped and efficient ambulances are essential for delivering advanced life support, ensuring patient comfort, and supporting medical personnel during transit.

Image from OpIndia

Background of AIS-125 Standards

The AIS-125 standard was first notified in September 2016 to establish uniform constructional, functional, and medical equipment requirements for road ambulances. Part 1 of the standard focuses on vehicle design and operational features, while Part 2 addresses medical devices and equipment for different ambulance categories. Over the years, these guidelines have formed the foundation of the National Ambulance Code, helping standardize emergency vehicles across the country.

The latest draft amendments seek to build upon this foundation by introducing modern requirements that reflect evolving needs in emergency response. These updates emphasize specialization, safety enhancements, and support for sustainable mobility options.

Introduction of Specialized Ambulance Types

Among the notable proposals is the introduction of dedicated ambulance categories tailored to specific medical needs. The Neonatal Road Ambulance is designed specifically for the safe transport of sick or premature newborns to advanced care facilities. These vehicles incorporate specialized equipment such as transport incubators, neonatal ventilators, multi-parameter monitors, and temperature control systems to maintain stability during transit.

Similarly, the Multi-stretcher Road Ambulance allows for the transport of multiple patients while providing intensive care capabilities for at least one critical case simultaneously. These specialized designs will help address diverse emergency scenarios more effectively, particularly in neonatal and mass casualty situations.

Enhanced Safety and Rescue Provisions

The amendments mandate that all ambulances in Classes B, C, and D be equipped with essential emergency and rescue tools. These provisions will assist in safely extracting victims from damaged vehicles at accident scenes and provide support if the ambulance itself encounters an incident. Such requirements strengthen the overall resilience of the emergency response system.

Additionally, the updates include clearer specifications for all medical devices installed in ambulances, covering aspects such as electrical safety, user interface, and compatibility with oxygen systems. These measures ensure reliability and optimal performance under demanding conditions.

Support for Green Mobility and Electric Ambulances

In line with national sustainability goals, the proposed changes introduce dedicated power sources for electric ambulances (e-ambulances). Pure electric models manufactured on or after October 1, 2026, will require additional batteries to ensure uninterrupted operation of life-saving medical equipment. This forward-looking provision promotes eco-friendly emergency services without compromising functionality.

Complementary National Initiatives

These amendments complement the recently unveiled Operational Guidelines on National Ambulance Services (NAS) 2026 by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The NAS guidelines promote standardization in ambulance deployment, training of Emergency Medical Technicians, quality assurance, and the establishment of Integrated Command and Dispatch Centres with advanced features like GPS tracking and real-time monitoring. Together, these efforts aim to create a more coordinated and technology-driven emergency medical ecosystem.

The PM-RAHAT scheme further supports this framework by offering cashless treatment coverage for road accident victims, ensuring that financial constraints do not delay critical care during the golden hour.

The MGMM Outlook 

India's emergency medical response system has long faced challenges arising from inconsistent ambulance infrastructure, varying equipment standards, and delays in providing advanced care during the critical golden hour. The proposed amendments to AIS-125 signal a focused effort to address these gaps by modernizing ambulance design, introducing specialized vehicles such as neonatal and multi-stretcher ambulances, strengthening rescue capabilities, and standardizing medical equipment. These measures have the potential to improve the quality of pre-hospital care while enabling medical teams to respond more effectively to a wider range of emergencies.

The proposed standards also reflect a broader vision of integrating healthcare, transportation, and technology into a more coordinated emergency response network. By supporting electric ambulances, complementing the National Ambulance Services (NAS) 2026 guidelines, and aligning with initiatives such as the PM-RAHAT scheme, the reforms aim to build a safer, more efficient, and future-ready emergency care ecosystem. Effective implementation, regular monitoring, and adequate training of emergency personnel will ultimately determine how successfully these reforms translate into faster response times and better patient outcomes across India.

(Sources: OpIndia, PIB)