Tamil Nadu: Ban on Carrying Patients’ Money in 108 Ambulances
Tamil Nadu: With the enforcement of the election Model Code of Conduct, a ban has been imposed on patients being transported in 108 ambulances—as well as their accompanying persons—carrying large amounts of cash.
Accordingly, it has been stipulated that details regarding the cash in their possession must be recorded in a designated document. Furthermore, in view of the upcoming Assembly elections, the 108 ambulance administration has implemented several new regulations for ambulance drivers and staff members. It has also been mandated that they must not engage in any political activities during their working hours.
In Tamil Nadu, the 108 ambulance service is operated by EMRI Green Health Services. A total of 1,353 ambulances are currently operational across the state. Election-related regulatory norms have now been applied to all these ambulance vehicles.
In this regard, Selvakumar, the State President of the 108 administration, and Mohammed Bilal, the Regional President, stated: “During the election period, nothing other than medical equipment is permitted to be transported inside an ambulance. No unauthorized individual is permitted to enter the ambulance.”
Only authorized staff members, officials from the Government of Tamil Nadu and the Police Department, and official election observers are permitted to inspect the ambulances.
Patients and their accompanying persons must ensure that no boxes or equipment kept inside the ambulance are opened. Individuals entering the ambulance are strictly prohibited from carrying any election-related materials. Details regarding the cash in the possession of the patient and their accompanying persons must be duly recorded in a document.
During working hours, no items related to political parties or election symbols are to be kept within the vehicle. Furthermore, no stickers or symbols associated with election campaigning are to be affixed to the ambulances.
Staff members are prohibited from engaging in political discussions during their working hours. Emergency service vehicles must not be parked in the vicinity of locations where election campaign materials are being displayed.
They further stated that no photographs or videos of a patient are to be taken without the prior permission of the ambulance management. We have implemented several such restrictions. We have also warned that disciplinary action will be taken in case of any violation of the rules.
