Ministry Warns Ambulance Drivers Against Taking Patients to Expensive Hospitals for Commission

Kathmandu: The Ministry of Health and Population has urged ambulance drivers to stop taking patients to expensive private hospitals for personal financial gain.

In a notice issued on Wednesday, the Ministry stated that such actions go against the "Ambulance Service Guidelines" and the wishes of the patients. The Ministry expressed sadness that some drivers are seeking unfair financial profit instead of helping patients or injured people during emergencies.

According to the statement, the Ministry has introduced the Ambulance Service Guidelines, 2025 to make emergency services more effective, organized, and patient-friendly. Under these rules, all ambulance services must operate through a central dispatch center.

The Ministry noted, "We have received complaints that some ambulances are ignoring the dispatch center's instructions and taking patients to expensive private hospitals for commissions, without the patient's consent. It is very unfortunate to take advantage of people in such difficult situations."

The Ministry warned that anyone found violating the 2025 guidelines or engaging in illegal financial deals will face strict legal action.