CHITWAN, Nov 19: The Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP)’s recent directive prohibiting the operation of ambulances older than 10 years has raised concerns over a potential shortage of emergency vehicles across Nepal.
Currently, around 80 percent of the country’s 3,300 ambulances are over a decade old, according to Nawaraj Lamichhane, central president of the United Ambulance Drivers’ Association. Of these, approximately 10 are in category A, 150 in category B, and the rest in category C, with more than 80 percent of C-category ambulances exceeding 10 years in service. Many of these vehicles have not been renewed.
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Lamichhane warned that an immediate halt in the use of older ambulances could leave patients stranded and severely affect body transport services, as most hearses are over a decade old. Daily, 20–25 bodies are transported from Kathmandu to other districts, a process now at risk due to the ban.
The MoHP has stated that any ambulance found operating beyond the 10-year limit will have its registration canceled. The driver’s association has urged the government to allow non-governmental organizations, community groups, and cooperatives equal rights to operate ambulances, arguing that a monopoly in this sector is not justified.
The drivers’ association also criticized the decision as impractical, inequitable, and inhumane, citing geographical challenges, road conditions, financial constraints, and the public’s accessibility to emergency services. They have called for an immediate review and amendment of the directive.
