Free Air Ambulance Service in India

Access to emergency medical care, especially in remote or high-risk areas, has long been a challenge in India. Recognizing this critical gap, the Indian Government has launched a revolutionary initiative: Free Air Ambulance Services in India, aiming to deliver rapid medical transport in emergencies. This scheme, rolled out in phases by both the Central Government and various state governments, is a huge leap in ensuring timely healthcare access, particularly during the golden hour of trauma care.

What is the Free Air Ambulance Scheme in India?

The Free Air Ambulance Scheme refers to a government-led initiative to provide aerial medical evacuation services free of cost, particularly for:

• Remote and hilly regions

• Road accident victims

• Emergency trauma cases

• Natural disaster zones

• Critical inter-hospital transfers

Major Government Air Ambulance Initiatives in India

1. Sanjeevani Yojana (Uttarakhand – AIIMS Rishikesh)

• Launched By: Prime Minister Narendra Modi

• Date: October 29, 2024

• Purpose: To provide free helicopter-based emergency evacuation for critical patients in Uttarakhand’s tough terrain.

• Operated by: AIIMS Rishikesh

• Features:

  • Fully equipped medical helicopters

  • Coordination with local hospitals and emergency responders

  • Drone-based medicine delivery services also piloted in the region

• Notable Achievement: Successfully reduced transit time for medical help in areas like Tehri and Kedarnath.

2. PM Shri Air Ambulance Service (Madhya Pradesh)

• Launched By: CM Mohan Yadav

• Date: May 29, 2024

• Partner: ICATT (International Critical Air Transfer Team)

• Fleet:

  • 1 helicopter ambulance

  • 1 fixed-wing aircraft ambulance

Who is Eligible?

• Ayushman Bharat Card Holders:

  • Completely free, including inter-state transfers

• Non-Ayushman Beneficiaries:

  • Free service for in-state emergencies

  • Paid service for out-of-state transfers

Cost for Paid Transfers:

• Helicopter Ambulance: ₹1.94 lakh/hour

• Fixed-Wing Ambulance: ₹1.79 lakh/hour

Conditions Covered:

• Road accidents

• Fire burns

• Industrial accidents

• Cardiac emergencies

• Medical emergencies in tribal or forested areas

Insurance Coverage:

• ₹50 lakh for the patient

• ₹25 lakh for third-party damage

• ₹25 lakh for any damage to others during the mission

Staffing:

• Certified paramedics, doctors, and trained pilots

• Managed by ICATT, one of India’s leading air ambulance providers

Performance (Till Jan 2025):

• 42 emergency transfers successfully completed

How to Avail Free Air Ambulance Service?

The process to access the air ambulance service varies slightly depending on the state, but here’s a general guide:

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Emergency Identified: Accident, critical illness, or medical emergency reported.

2. District Administration Notification: The District Collector and Chief Medical Health Officer (CMHO) assess the need.

3. Medical Evaluation: Verification of patient condition and location.

4. Approval & Dispatch: Once approved, ICATT or AIIMS Rishikesh dispatches the air ambulance.

5. Onboard Care: Emergency treatment is provided onboard during transport.

6. Hospital Handoff: Patient is directly taken to the most suitable tertiary care hospital.

In Madhya Pradesh, emergency requests can also be routed through the ICATT control center.

Whom to Contact?

• Uttarakhand (Sanjeevani Yojana): Contact AIIMS Rishikesh emergency helpline or local district control room.

• Madhya Pradesh (PM Shri Air Ambulance): Contact ICATT through emergency numbers (usually provided by the state health department) or go through CMHO office.

Why This Matters?

India’s vast geography includes several hard-to-reach rural or hilly areas where traditional road ambulances cannot reach in time. By introducing this scheme, the government ensures:

• Faster medical response

• Higher survival rate in trauma cases

• Equitable access to healthcare regardless of location

• Use of modern technology like medical drones, GPS coordination, and eVTOLs

States Where Free Air Ambulance Scheme is Available (As of 2025)

As of now, the Free Air Ambulance Scheme is operational only in select Indian states, launched by the state governments in partnership with medical institutions and air ambulance providers.

Currently Active States:

1. Uttarakhand

   • Scheme: Sanjeevani Yojana

   • Operated by: AIIMS Rishikesh

   • Focus: Evacuating critical patients from hilly and remote regions using helicopter ambulances.

2. Madhya Pradesh

   • Scheme: PM Shri Air Ambulance Service

   • Partner: ICATT (International Critical Air Transfer Team)

   • Focus: State-wide and inter-state emergency air transfers for Ayushman Bharat beneficiaries.

Other states are currently in the planning phase or exploring partnerships to launch similar services.

Are There Any Limitations to Use This Scheme?

Yes, although the scheme is designed to save lives, it comes with certain limitations and conditions to ensure fair and need-based usage.

Limitations & Conditions:

1. Not for Non-Emergency Transport:

   • These services are not for routine patient transfers or convenience travel.

   • Only critical emergencies qualify (verified by medical officers).

2. Requires Official Approval:

   • Patients cannot directly “book” a free air ambulance for themselves.

   • The Chief Medical and Health Officer (CMHO) and District Collector must authorize the transfer after verifying its urgency.

3. Limited Availability:

   • The number of air ambulances is limited per state (e.g., 1 chopper + 1 fixed-wing in MP).

   • In case of multiple emergencies or adverse weather, dispatch might be delayed or denied.

4. Subject to Weather and Airspace Clearance:

   • Flights may be grounded in poor weather or due to restricted airspace (especially near borders, pilgrimage sites, or airports).

5. Out-of-State Transfers Not Always Free (for non-Ayushman users):

   • Paid service if you’re not an Ayushman cardholder and require transfer to another state.

   • Standard charges: ₹1.94 lakh/hr (helicopter), ₹1.79 lakh/hr (fixed-wing).

6. No Private Use or Custom Booking:

   • These air ambulances are not bookable for private, corporate, or elective transport (such as medical tourism or international transfers).

When Government Services Fall Short, VMEDO Steps In

While the Free Air Ambulance Scheme is a remarkable step by the government, it is currently available in only a few states and under strict eligibility criteria. For patients who do not qualify or need urgent inter-state transfers, VMEDO offers a reliable and professional alternative. With a network of advanced air ambulances equipped with ICU-level care, experienced medical teams, and 24/7 coordination, VMEDO ensures that critical patients reach the right hospital at the right time—anywhere in India or even abroad. Whether it’s a medical emergency, organ transfer, or neonatal care, VMEDO bridges the gap when public resources are unavailable.

Conclusion

The launch of the Free Air Ambulance Service Scheme in India marks a transformative shift in how emergency medical care is delivered—especially to those living in remote, rural, or geographically challenging regions. By introducing fully equipped helicopter and fixed-wing air ambulances under schemes like Sanjeevani Yojana in Uttarakhand and PM Shri Air Ambulance in Madhya Pradesh, the government has taken a bold step toward ensuring that no life is lost due to delayed access to advanced medical care.

These services are lifesavers during the golden hour, enabling swift and efficient patient transfers to tertiary care hospitals. While Ayushman Bharat beneficiaries enjoy complete free access (even for inter-state transfers in MP), the scheme also benefits the general public for in-state emergencies. However, usage is strictly regulated to avoid misuse and prioritize genuine, life-threatening cases.

Although currently active only in a few states, the future of India’s air ambulance landscape looks promising—with plans to roll out eVTOL-based air ambulances and expanded coverage across the country. With strategic planning, improved infrastructure, and inter-state coordination, this initiative could eventually become a nationwide safety net for millions in medical distress.

In a country as vast and diverse as India, timely healthcare should not depend on location. The Free Air Ambulance Scheme brings us closer to a future where healthcare is fast, accessible, and equal for all—airborne when needed.