With a vast fleet of over 10,000 ambulances operational across 500+ cities and a dedicated call center managing over 1300 calls daily, we are reaching tier 2 and tier 3 cities. We have also reached and impacted over one crore users, solidifying our commitment to safeguarding public health and safety in every corner of India, shared Pranav Bajaj, Co-Founder, Medulance Healthcare with Kaanchi Chawla of Elets News Network (ENN). Edited excerpts:

Could you share with us what initially inspired you to co-found Medulance Healthcare? Additionally, what were some of the most significant challenges you faced in the early stages of your journey?

At the young age of 26, I delved into the challenging domain of Emergency Healthcare, marking the inception of a profound professional journey. The catalyst for this venture was a personal incident in 2016, wherein the loss of my co-founder’s grandfather due to the unavailability of ambulance services ignited me to revolutionise Ambulatory Services. In response to this poignant event, I embarked on the establishment of Medulance Healthcare.

Founded in 2016, Medulance Healthcare took root leading a dedicated team from a co-working space situated in Shahpur Jat, New Delhi. The ambitious endeavor aimed to bridge gaps in ambulance services and create a transformative impact in the emergency healthcare landscape. Navigating the challenges inherent in positioning on-demand ambulances within a predominantly public sector, my vision extended beyond mere transportation services. I envisaged a tech-enabled and easily accessible emergency ecosystem, laying the foundation for a paradigm shift in the way emergency medical services are approached and delivered.

Looking back, what have been some defining moments for Medulance Healthcare? Could you highlight a few achievements that you are particularly proud of?

Medulance has played a pivotal role in safeguarding over 20 lakh lives, including assistance for 2 lakh Covid-positive cases, demonstrating a dedicated commitment to minimizing medical emergencies. Leveraging its advanced dispatch technology, the company has remarkably reduced the average response time from 45 minutes to under 11 minutes, efficiently managing over 6,000 calls daily. Medulance excels not only in prompt response but also in comprehensive ambulance services, overseeing medical equipment, consumables, and skilled manpower (drivers and paramedics). Boasting profitability over the last three years, Medulance has earned accolades, notably the “Most Innovative 5G Use Case Deployed of the Year” at the India Mobile Congress 2023 and the prestigious ‘National Startup Award,’ recognizing its outstanding contributions to the healthcare sector. In addition, the emergency healthcare provider is starting its paramedic training academy to ensure better training of its EMTs (Emergency Medical Technicians).

Growing our B2B reach this year, we provided comprehensive emergency medical solutions to enterprises like HCL, JP Morgan, and PSUs like NTPC and Coal India. In addition, we initiated a new business vertical this year, spreading our medical services to major events such as the ICC World Cup, MotoGP Bharat, Zomaland, IPL 2023, Pro Kabaddi League, and Pro Panja League. Consequently, our revenue soared to an impressive 27 crores over the past 12 months, shining light on our exceptional service.

With a vast fleet of over 10,000 ambulances operational across 500+ cities and a dedicated call center managing over 1300 calls daily, we are reaching tier 2 and tier 3 cities as well. We have reached and impacted over one crore users, solidifying our commitment to safeguarding public health and safety in every corner of India.

Medulance has been at the forefront of integrating technology into healthcare services. Can you elaborate on some of the innovative technological solutions you’ve implemented and how they have transformed patient care?

In 2023, MeduLance achieved significant milestones in its mission to revolutionize emergency medical services across the nation. Our unwavering commitment to innovation and operational efficiency propelled us to new heights. At the core of this transformative journey lies our proprietary technology, a linchpin that dramatically reduced response times to an impressive 11 minutes, underscoring our dedication to swift and life-saving interventions.

A pivotal moment in the year was the introduction of our 5G-enabled ambulances, representing a groundbreaking advancement in the industry. These state-of-the-art vehicles, equipped with cutting-edge medical facilities, heralded a paradigm shift by incorporating remote monitoring and real-time data transmission capabilities. This innovation ensures that vital information is transmitted to hospital teams in transit, providing critical insights that save precious time. This real-time, informed approach enhances the quality of care upon arrival, showcasing MeduLance’s commitment to leveraging technology for the betterment of emergency medical services.

As we look back at 2023, what were some of the key observations and learnings for your organization this year? Were there any unexpected challenges or opportunities that emerged?

The year 2023 witnessed a transformative period for the emergency response sector, particularly in the pivotal role played by ambulance services as frontline warriors against ongoing health challenges. In this dynamic landscape, technology emerged as a game-changer, with the integration of cutting-edge solutions like 5G. These innovations significantly streamlined response times, enabling swift and efficient emergency care delivery to those in need.

A noteworthy development during this period was the renewed focus on elevating the expertise of paramedic teams through advanced training. This emphasis on skill enhancement equipped paramedics to navigate complex medical situations with adeptness, showcasing a commitment to continuous improvement within the industry.

Despite the increased demands exerted on emergency services, the resilience and adaptability of the sector became evident. Ambulance services proved indispensable in safeguarding public health and safety, overcoming challenges with unwavering dedication. The industry’s ability to evolve and meet the evolving needs of the community underscored its vital role in ensuring prompt and effective emergency care.

As we step into 2024, what are the company’s main goals and expectations for the year? How do you see the landscape of healthcare evolving, and what role does Medulance plan to play in it?

For the past four years, MeduLance has consistently driven profitability, positioning itself as a significant player in the Indian ambulance industry, valued at USD 1.5 billion. Currently holding a 2 per cent market share of the Total Addressable Market (TAM), our ambitious goal is to expand this penetration to over 10 per cent in the next three years, aligning with the industry’s projected 5.12 per cent Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) over the next five years.

In 2024, MeduLance’s focus revolves around a dual strategy: expanding globally while fortifying our position in the Indian market. Our commitment to saving lives extends beyond borders, and we plan to introduce our proprietary technology and 5G ambulances to the Asian market, fostering strong partnerships and infrastructure in those countries. Collaboration with global dignitaries is a key part of our agenda, as we aim to share insights and knowledge.

The recent integration of 5G technology has opened new avenues, allowing us to deploy advanced ambulances, particularly in remote areas where they function as comprehensive Mobile Medical Units. Additionally, our expansion plans include reaching more Indian states, supporting our B2B vertical, and providing comprehensive medical solutions for major events. Venturing into the EMT training segment, we aspire to establish a premier emergency response institution, nurturing top-tier EMTs in the country. The upcoming year promises to be transformative for MeduLance, marked by expansion, collaboration, and pioneering advancements in emergency medical services.

Looking ahead, what are some of the exciting innovations or projects that Medulance is planning to unveil shortly?

Embarking on a new frontier, MeduLance is set to establish a leading emergency response institution, dedicated to cultivating the most exceptional Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) in the nation. The upcoming year holds the promise of transformation for MeduLance, defined by a steadfast commitment to expand, collaborate, and pioneer innovative advancements in the realm of emergency medical services.

Apart from that, I envision building a Healthcare SuperApp for organizations to address various emergency requirements at the touch of a button. The vision includes providing access to a bundle of other healthcare services like quality healthcare at home, emergency medicines, and tele-consultations.

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