Govt plans to build electric ambulances for doorstep healthcare

The government has moved to introduce ambulance services designed to reach patients at the community level, with plans to develop electric ambulances using local technology to reduce costs and reliance on imports.

The initiative was discussed at a high-level meeting held at the Prime Minister’s Office in Tejgaon on Saturday, chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, according to officials.

Officials said the main goal is to make emergency medical transport more accessible, particularly in rural and remote areas, by ensuring faster response and wider coverage of healthcare services.

Under the proposed plan, ambulance services will be structured in three tiers — connecting villages to upazilas, upazilas to district hospitals, and districts to the capital. 

Authorities believe this model will improve coordination in patient transport and strengthen the national emergency care system.

The government also plans to begin a pilot project in a selected upazila before expanding it nationwide. 

If successful, the programme is expected to significantly reduce dependence on imported ambulances while lowering overall service costs.

Officials said the locally manufactured ambulances will be equipped with essential medical facilities, including oxygen support and emergency care equipment. 

The vehicles are being designed to suit Bangladesh’s road conditions and geographic challenges.

The meeting also highlighted the potential for strengthening the country’s healthcare logistics system through improved transport infrastructure, particularly for critical patients needing urgent transfers.

Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Husain, State Minister MA Muhit, senior officials from the Health Services Division, and engineering experts from BUET were present at the discussion.

Government representatives said the initiative is expected to improve emergency healthcare access and modernise patient transport services across the country.