Maharashtra tells HC private ambulances may be roped in for emergencies

MUMBAI: State government on Friday told Bombay high court it was considering requisition of private ambulances to meet health emergencies, including Covid-19 cases, during lockdown.
Before a bench of Chief Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice Amjad Sayed, via video-conference, the government responded to a PIL by former MP Kirit Somaiya on shortage of ambulances in Mumbai and state during lockdown.He sought an increase by compelling private services to operate. His petition said Mumbai, with over 25,000 cases, had less than 300 ambulances on roads.
Somaiya's advocates, Gaurav Mehta and Shivangi Agarwal, said ambulances were not seen on roads. They said over 3,000 ambulances are run by private operators here.
Advocate general Ashutosh Kumbhakoni and government pleader Poornima Kantharia said there were nearly 9,000 registered private ambulances in the state and the government may requisitioning them. The AG said options will be explored, including a dashboard where people can see ambulances available. He sought time to return with information.
Senior advocate Anil Sakhare, for BMC, said if there was a need to requisition private ambulances for Mumbai, it would keep the option open. The judges adjourned the matter to June 9.