West Bengal Government Plans App-Based Ambulance Booking Service

MP, July 21, 2026, Kolkata : The state Health department is planning to launch an app-based ambulance service to ensure faster response, GPS-enabled tracking and better hospital linkages.

Replying to the discussion on the Health department's budget in the Assembly on Monday, Health Minister Sharadwat Mukherjee announced a budgetary allocation of Rs 24,753 crore for the Health and Family Welfare department.

"Three categories of ambulances, including ICU-equipped vehicles, can be booked through the app. The existing ambulance fleet will be integrated with the platform. The service will begin in Kolkata and Bidhannagar before being gradually expanded to other urban areas, as only smartphone users will be able to access it," Mukherjee said.

The minister said ambulances would be GPS-tracked, enabling the department to monitor their movement.

If an ambulance is found moving from one hospital to another with a patient, the department will intervene immediately.

He added that pre-booking through the app would also help curb arbitrary fare collection by ambulance drivers.

Mukherjee also announced that island-based child delivery centres would be set up in the Sundarbans to improve access to institutional deliveries.

Twenty-one such centres have been identified.

"We are planning a unique intervention to address transportation barriers in riverine areas. Motorboat ambulance services will be introduced in the Sundarbans for emergency and routine care. Six water ambulances and two mobile boat units will be deployed to handle emergencies. This is the first time such an intervention is being made in Bengal," he said.

The minister said geriatric clinics with physiotherapy facilities would be opened for the first time in South Dinajpur, Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Nandigram Health District, Purulia and North Dinajpur.

"Music therapy will also be extended to sub-divisional hospitals," he added.

Mukherjee announced the upgrade of Suri Super Speciality Hospital into a government medical college.

He also announced the procurement, installation and operationalisation of a robotic surgery unit and a new modular operation theatre at SSKM Hospital.

The minister further announced trauma care centres at key tourist destinations, including Digha, Darjeeling and Farakka.