Govt to launch locally built electric ambulances to decentralize healthcare

The government is set to revolutionize primary healthcare access by introducing a three-tier ambulance service featuring locally manufactured electric vehicles. 

The initiative, aimed at bringing emergency medical transport to the doorsteps of citizens, was finalized during a high-level meeting chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at the Prime Minister’s Office on Saturday.

Under this strategic plan, Bangladesh will leverage indigenous technology to build electric ambulances, significantly reducing the nation’s reliance on expensive foreign imports. Prime Minister’s Assistant Press Secretary Mostafa Zulfiquar Hasan confirmed that the project will initially debut in a selected upazila as a pilot model before a nationwide rollout.

To ensure comprehensive coverage, the government has designed a tiered transport system tailored to different administrative levels:

- Village to Upazila transport
- Upazila to District transport
- District to the Capital transport

By manufacturing these vehicles domestically, the government aims to provide modern emergency facilities at a fraction of the current cost. 

Experts attending the meeting noted that these ambulances will be custom-built to navigate Bangladesh’s unique geographical terrain and road networks. They will come equipped with essential medical hardware, including integrated oxygen support and emergency life-saving tools.

The initiative is expected to drastically improve response times and patient outcomes by creating a more efficient emergency transport network. Beyond healthcare, the move is seen as a boost for local engineering and the green energy sector.

The meeting was attended by Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Husain, State Minister MA Muhit, and senior officials. A group of specialized academics from the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) also provided technical insights to ensure the vehicles meet global safety and medical standards.