Maharashtra launches advanced MEMS 108 ambulance project to revamp emergency medical services

Sumeet Facilities India, in consortium with Grupo SSGMatrix, Spain and previous service operator BVG India will implement the New ‘Maharashtra Emergency Medical Services’ (MEMS) 108 Ambulance Project in the state of Maharashtra. This project is set to transform emergency medical services in India with the integration of cutting-edge technology using advanced global standards. The ten-year large-scale initiative introduces a new operational model featuring latest technology to boost service efficiency and effectiveness, bringing wide scale reform to the healthcare sector across Maharashtra.

Currently, ambulance services across India operate primarily as Patient Transportation Services (PTS). The new project envisioned by the Government of Maharashtra aims to save lives by utilising specialised medical equipment during the critical golden hour of a patient’s emergency. The project, under the State National Health Mission, aims to provide pre-hospital health emergency services to patients in critical and non-critical conditions, utilising life support ambulances to stabilise and facilitate prompt mobilisation to nearby hospitals. The initiative covers a wide range of health emergencies, including road accidents, critical diseases, and natural calamities, among others.

Built under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Design-Build-Finance-Operate-Transfer (DBFOT) model for the first time in India, with service provider contributing to 51 per cent of the capital expenditure and the government contributing to 49 per cent.The program is designed to ensure faster response times across urban, rural, and tribal areas throughout the state, with 24/7 medical support through a advanced Emergency Response Center (ERC), based on NG911 standards and will be staffed with a specialised team of doctors.

 Additionally, this initiative will bring substantial benefits to the public by creating over 14,000 jobs in both skilled and semi-skilled categories, thereby generating significant employment opportunities. The project aims to deliver equal, international-level services to all 14 crore citizens of Maharashtra, ensuring comprehensive and equitable healthcare access.  

Fleet Key Advancements and New International Standard Benchmark Upgrades:

The upgraded fleet is based on high-end body kits of ABS/PPMA material, providing highest durability and strength. It is equipped with high-end lifesaving medical equipment. The improved standards specify the requirements based on quality of design, performance and KPI based reporting structure that are key for better patient outcomes.

 New Age Technology Integrations:

Technological upgrades in ambulances now include Mobile Data Terminals (MDT), tablet PCs, RFID, GPS, caller location tracking, CCTV, TRIAGE systems, Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD), Vehicle Tracking and Management System (VTMS), and patient arrival intimation systems, compared to the previous reliance on basic mobile phones and coordination with the caller for directions.

According to the statement released, enhanced training modules will also be developed for preparatory and emergency training for all personnel.

The total capital expenditure procurement value has increased from approximately Rs. 240 crores for 937 ambulances (ALS-233, BLS-704) in 2013 to approximately Rs. 870 crores for 1,756 ambulances in 2024, reflecting the adoption of new international specifications and a variety of fleet types. The annual operational expenditure by the government has doubled from approximately Rs.425 crore to Rs. 800 crores, in line with the expanded service scope and doubled fleet size.

In future, the State Government also wishes to introduce forward integration initiatives like for use of Helicopters and Drones for quickest medical assistance and Patient Arrival Intimation System in All Hospitals across Maharashtra.