Blinkit recently launched a quick-response ambulance service in Gurugram to help deliver aid within 10 minutes. CEO and co-founder Albinder Dhindsa announced the initiative on January 2, highlighting plans to expand the service to other major cities.

While such initiatives have immense potential, starting an ambulance service in India involves navigating a complex set of regulatory approvals and compliance protocols.

Dr. Mukesh Sabharwal, Group CEO, Ratan Jyoti Group of Hospitals, said that starting an ambulance service does not just mean having vehicles and equipment, it also requires strict adherence to health norms, trained personnel and health care to ensure uninterrupted patient care. Collaboration with institutions is required. ,

What are the regulatory requirements for starting an ambulance service?

Business Registration and Licensing

The service must be registered as a legal entity, such as a proprietorship, partnership, or private limited company.

Necessary licenses must be obtained from local and state health authorities, including permission under the Clinical Establishment Act.

Compliance with medical standards

Ambulances must comply with the standards outlined by regulatory bodies such as the National Ambulance Code.

The vehicles should be equipped with life-saving equipment including oxygen cylinders, stretchers, defibrillators, suction machines and emergency medicines.

Employees including paramedics and drivers must have valid certificates and licenses.

insurance coverage

Vehicles, staff and patients should be covered under comprehensive insurance policies, including medical malpractice liability insurance.

operation and dispatch system

The ambulance should have an efficient dispatch system integrated with GPS for real-time tracking and quick allocation. Communication systems need to be aligned with emergency services.

Staffing and Training Requirements

Ambulance services must employ certified paramedics, EMTs (emergency medical technicians) and skilled drivers trained in emergency response.

Regular training programs should be conducted to ensure that staff are up to date with evolving medical protocols.

Challenges and ideas

Blinkit’s entry into emergency healthcare marks a bold shift from its logistics-focused business model. Although the initiative leverages its expertise in rapid delivery networks, it faces significant regulatory and operational challenges:

• Medical Specialization: Ambulance services demand specialized medical knowledge and strict compliance.
• Hospital Partnership: Hospitals may need formal agreements for smooth coordination.
• public trust: Building credibility in a life-saving service requires transparency and consistency.

Although the idea is innovative, ambulance services are highly regulated. Blinkit must prioritize training, certification, and compliance to gain the trust of both healthcare providers and patients.

For Blinkit’s ambulances to become a seamless part of the health care system, they must meet key requirements. Hospitals must assure that these ambulances comply with medical equipment and staffing standards. Establishing formal agreements with hospitals can ensure smooth handover of patients, while regular audits and transparent reporting on service quality will help build trust and credibility in their operations.

Commenting on Blinkit’s ambulance initiative, Dr Prashant Sinha, Head of Emergency at PSRI Hospital, New Delhi, said that while the initiative is commendable, the intention behind it and the training of the staff need to be seen.

“Ambulance crews need to be able to revive and stabilize patients as emergencies can often arise unexpectedly during transport. Hospitals, on the other hand, will need time to assess their reliability as Blinkit has no track record in this area.” Dr. Sinha said.

“In relation to Blinkit dealing with ambulance services or the medicines being distributed, my only request would be that they have to ensure that they meet the law of the land, and whatever other legal requirements they have are properly taken care of Any law of the country should not be broken,” said Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal.

He said that other legal requirements regarding 10-minute ambulance service should be taken due care of.

India Today Digital tried to reach out to Blinkit to understand what regulatory processes were followed. However, the company has maintained silence about this. The story will be updated as soon as the response is received.