Majority of Indians are dissatisfied with emergency healthcare facilities: Medulance survey

The survey was rolled out to 100+ Indians between the age group of 25-55 in metro cities

A recent survey by Medulance, an end-to-end emergency response service provider, reveals that 80 per cent of respondents have shown dissatisfaction with the current emergency infrastructure in India while only 20 per cent expressed satisfaction with the services. The dissatisfaction amongst respondents is attributed to high response time, technology backwardness, quality and hygiene. Ambulances in the past were primarily booked for health emergencies, heart-attack and COVID-19 by respondents. The survey was rolled out to 100+ Indians between the age group of 25-55 in metro cities.

Additionally, the survey named Medulance Emergency Health Index 2020 brings out three critical themes about awareness, demand and impact of COVID in emergency services.

When Indians were asked about what number to dial in case of emergency, the majority (65 per cent) of respondents were aware of the helpline number and opted for 102/112/108. While 15 per cent said that they have no idea about the emergency helpline number. The remaining 12 per cent answered 101 which is for fire emergencies and the rest 100 which is for police. Furthermore, (55 per cent) of respondents confirmed that response time is vital for a strong emergency infrastructure. A well-connected system of booking, tracking, and availing ambulances is the need of the hour. High response time coupled with other factors leads to 40 per cent-60 per cent deaths in India which are preventable, as reported by sources. Availability of ambulance and access at remote locations are other areas that need improvement, said by (33 per cent) of respondents. The remaining (10 per cent) said the quality of ambulances and front-line staff demand attention from facilitators. 

The ongoing pandemic has forced home-owners/ buyers to focus on health and well-being facilities. 84 per cent of respondents suggested that emergency care is important to have and has become the new normal. Whereas 14 per cent were indecisive on the importance and the remaining 2 per cent still didn’t consider it to be important. 

Majority of respondents (91 per cent) think that ambulance and emergency care have become the new essential for a workplace. Work from home is a developed concept now but an extension of healthcare services by employers to its employees is still emerging. 93 per cent of respondents feel that emergency care facilities should be provided to the workforce. While 5 per cent were indecisive and 2 per cent feel it is not important. 

As per the report, 80 per cent of respondents feel that the need for an emergency healthcare facility is going to outlast the pandemic and is extremely important for a post-COVID era. While 20 per cent think it’s important in the coming times.

Commenting on the report, Pranav Bajaj, Co-founder, Medulance, said, “It is eye-opening to see how the pandemic has transformed the need for emergency care in residential communities and workplaces – making it the most important factor not just during COVID phase but later too. We, at Medulance, strongly agree with survey findings that time and availability are the two major challenges in the emergency healthcare industry. Our team is making constant efforts to build a strong infrastructure for the year ahead with digitised ambulances, trained front-line staff and faster response time.”