Alappuzha: Kerala has an astonishing number of ambulances, with 9,335 vehicles currently serving the state – 27 times higher than the national average. According to the national standard, one ambulance is sufficient for every one lakh people. However, Kerala's figure stands at one ambulance for every 3,717 people, far exceeding the required amount.
The state government has recommended that local bodies refrain from buying new ambulances. This decision is based on the fact that the number of ambulances in Kerala already surpasses the national requirement. However, it was noted that local bodies may still purchase ambulances for palliative care purposes if needed.
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Kerala’s ambulance figures compared to national standard
Recent data gathered by local bodies, health, and motor vehicle departments show a massive discrepancy in the number of ambulances. Kerala, with a population of 3.47 crores, has 9,335 ambulances. The national average indicates that only 347 ambulances would be required for the state.
Thiruvananthapuram leads with 1,771 ambulances, far exceeding the national average of just 34 for the district. Ernakulam follows with 1,189 ambulances, again much higher than the national standard of 34.
The figures in other districts, based on the national average, are as follows: Kollam – 688 (27), Pathanamthitta – 407 (12), Alappuzha – 477 (22), Kottayam – 595 (21), Idukki – 327 (12), Thrissur – 824 (32), Palakkad – 550 (29), Malappuram – 738 (43), Kozhikode – 835 (32), Wayanad – 220 (8), Kannur – 507 (29), and Kasaragod – 207 (14).
Current and future needs: ALS ambulances
While the state is over-supplied with Basic Life Support (BLS) ambulances, there is a growing need for Advance Life Support (ALS) ambulances. Nationally, one ALS ambulance is required for every 5,00,000 people, meaning Kerala should have 69 ALS ambulances. Currently, there are only 30 ALS ambulances in the state. Local bodies are encouraged to purchase more ALS ambulances to address life-saving emergencies.
Published: 18 Feb 2025, 10:08 am IST
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