Ambulance fares increased by 30pc: CCC Mayor

Chattogram City Corporation (CCC) Mayor Dr. Shahadat Hossain has announced that ambulance fares have been increased by 30 percent following a reevaluation based on rising fuel costs and consultations with stakeholders and ambulance owners’ associations.

The mayor said that the approved fare chart will be displayed in hospital premises, and ambulance drivers will not be allowed to charge any amount beyond the prescribed rates.

Necessary instructions will be issued to the hospital’s emergency department and relevant authorities to prevent the harassment of patients and their relatives.

Under the revised fare structure, the minimum ambulance fare has been set at Tk 1,144. The highest fare has been fixed for trips to Lohagara Upazila, at Tk 5,400 for non-air-conditioned large ambulances and Tk 5,785 for air-conditioned ambulances.

He made these remarks while addressing a meeting as the chief guest on Monday at Chattogram Medical College Hospital (CMCH). The meeting was organized to review and rationalize ambulance fares in accordance with the policy governing the transportation of patients and deceased persons.

The mayor emphasised that the revised fare schedule must be strictly followed. “If any complaint is received regarding overcharging, fines will be imposed through the owners’ association,” he said.

He also stated that ambulances should not be parked on the hospital campus or on the road in front of the hospital. In addition, mobile shops will not be allowed to operate in these areas.

The mayor urged the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) to ensure that microbuses are not operated illegally under the guise of ambulances.

The meeting was chaired by Brigadier General Mohammad Taslim Uddin, Director of Chattogram Medical College Hospital. Representatives of the Ambulance Owners’ Association, the police, and the BRTA were also present.