The government plans to introduce locally manufactured electric ambulances to enhance emergency healthcare services and expand access to patient transport nationwide, including rural areas.
The plan was discussed at a meeting held Saturday at the Prime Minister’s Office, chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, according to Deputy Press Secretary Hasan Shiplu.
Officials said the initiative aims to ensure ambulance services reach people at the grassroots level. As part of the pilot phase, one upazila will be selected as a model to begin manufacturing and deploying electric ambulances. The project will later be expanded nationwide if successful.
The government expects the initiative to cut import dependency while enabling the supply of modern ambulances at lower cost. Authorities also said the project would help improve emergency patient transport across the country.
According to the Prime Minister’s Press Wing, the service framework will operate in three tiers—linking villages to upazilas, upazilas to districts, and districts to the capital.
The locally produced ambulances will be equipped with essential medical facilities, including oxygen support and emergency care equipment. Officials said vehicle designs will be tailored to Bangladesh’s geographic conditions and road network.
Experts attending the meeting said the project could significantly improve emergency response systems and make healthcare services more accessible.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Hossain Bakul, State Minister MA Muhit, Prime Minister’s Special Assistant on Health SM Ziauddin Haider, Principal Secretary ABM Abdus Sattar, Health Services Secretary Kamruzzaman Chowdhury, BUET Professor Mohammad Ehsan, Prof Ziaur Rahman, Prof Abdul Salam Akhand, Prof.Jahangir Alam, and senior officials were present.
