No more new Maruti Omni ambulances in Karnataka
BENGALURU: New Maruti Omni vans will not be used for Emergency Response Service Ambulances as the Transport Department has decided to ban registration of new Omni ambulances.
However, existing Maruti Omni vans can continue to ply as ambulances as the ban applies only to new registrations.
“We had earlier given permission, including EMRI 108 services, to operate Maruti Omni vans as ambulances but we have decided to ban new registration to ensure safety of patients travelling in ambulances during an emergency,” said a transport department official. He said they decided to ban registration of new Omni ambulances based on recommendations of the Health & Family Welfare Department.
While health experts welcomed the move stating that it will ensure the safety of patients, private ambulance operators have opposed it claiming that Omni ambulances are effective.
“Omnis are more suitable for a congested city like Bengaluru in case of an emergency. The decision to ban registration of new Omni ambulances will increase the fare and affect patients,” said a private ambulance provider in Jayanagar.