Blinkit CEO Albinder Dhindsa has unveiled a groundbreaking 10-minute ambulance service for residents of Gurugram, with plans to expand the initiative to other cities in India within the next two years. This service aims to address the pressing need for prompt and reliable emergency medical transportation, ensuring timely assistance during critical situations.
In an announcement on January 2 via a post on X, Dhindsa highlighted that the first fleet of five ambulances is now operational in Gurugram. The ambulances are fully equipped with critical life-saving equipment, such as oxygen cylinders, automated external defibrillators (AEDs), stretchers, monitors, suction machines, and essential emergency medications. Additional features such as a scoop stretcher and wheelchair further ensure safe and efficient patient transportation. Each ambulance is staffed with a trained paramedic, an assistant, and a skilled driver to provide immediate and professional care.
The service is accessible through the Blinkit app, allowing users to book Basic Life Support (BLS) ambulances in just a few taps. Dhindsa emphasized that the initiative prioritizes solving a critical healthcare challenge rather than generating profit. He stated, "We aim to offer this service at a reasonable cost while focusing on building a sustainable, long-term solution." Blinkit plans to gradually expand this service to all major cities across India over the next two years.
While Dhindsa refrained from disclosing the exact pricing, promotional materials indicate a flat fee of ₹2,000 for the service, excluding neonatal and ventilator care. The CEO also shared images of the ambulances and Blinkit staff in uniform, underscoring the company’s commitment to professionalism and preparedness.
The announcement sparked a mix of reactions on social media. While many applauded Blinkit’s efforts to enhance emergency healthcare, others expressed concerns about the privatization of such essential services, arguing that they should be universally accessible and government-funded.
Among the supporters was Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal, who praised the initiative as a world-first. "Speed isn't only about commerce; it's also about saving lives," Goyal wrote on X. "Congratulations to Albinder and the Blinkit team for making such a meaningful impact with remarkable speed."
In addition to this healthcare initiative, Blinkit recently introduced an electric vehicle fleet for managing bulk deliveries, such as electronics and party supplies. Currently operational in Delhi and Gurugram, this service is set to expand to other cities soon.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Sai Sindhuja K/MSM)