Bangladesh Ambulance Owners Welfare Association has recently issued a warning saying private ambulance services will come to a halt nationwide on July 25 unless their demands are met.
Ambulance owners complained about the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) classifying ambulances as privately owned cars when it comes to income taxes, causing financial burdens and prompting them to take a stand and demand a fair resolution.
Leaders of the association stressed that “traffic harassment” severely hampers their operations. Despite voicing grievances, the BRTA and traffic police have not adequately addressed their concerns. A meeting on July 30 was proposed, but tension persists.
Stakeholders, including doctors and human rights activists, criticized the possibility of suspending ambulance services for demands. They urge constructive dialogue at the highest level, rejecting tactics risking the lives of patients. The strike threat worries various sectors. A call for meaningful discussions between the association and authorities to find an amicable solution remains essential.
Ambulance owners protest unfair income tax policy
On July 10, the association held a protest at the Sagar-Runi Auditorium of Dhaka Reporters Unity, voicing their opposition to the BRTA's imposition of income tax on ambulances used in the private sector.
Md Badal Matbor, the association's general secretary, highlighted that they import ambulances exclusively for medical purposes. They duly register these ambulances with the BRTA under the ambulance category. However, they are perplexed by the requirement to pay income tax at the rate applicable to cars, rather than ambulances.
Ambulances linked to hospitals pay just Tk52 in income tax, while private ambulance operators pay Tk30,000 for registration, which will reportedly increase to Tk50,000. The association seeks a resolution, but the BRTA maintains the fixed rate of Tk52 for imported ambulances. A fair and urgent solution is crucial to avoid an unjust burden on ambulance owners, Badal said.
BRTA Director Sheikh Mohammad Mahbub-e-Rabbani said: "The BRTA provides registration to imported ambulances based on documents provided. If the importer's document specifies the vehicle as an ambulance, the BRTA registers it accordingly. I see no reason for granting private registration."
One-sided accusations
Md Golam Mostafa, the association's president, said: "We feel cornered. Traffic police officers often harass us on the roads. After dropping off a patient at the hospital, we frequently face charges of illegal parking. Hospitals themselves lack adequate parking space for ambulances. Where are we supposed to accommodate the patients?"
Dhaka Metropolitan Police Additional Commissioner (Traffic) Md Munibur Rahman said: "No such reports have been brought to my attention. I am not aware of any instances of traffic policemen harassing ambulances on the roads. If we receive a complaint, we will thoroughly investigate the matter."
A traffic sergeant, who chose to anonymity, said: "We try our best to prevent ambulances from getting stuck in traffic. But sometimes they request the service even without any patient onboard. When asked about empty ambulances plying the wrong lane, they say it is for picking up a patient but cannot provide the destination details. The drivers also drive recklessly. We must also acknowledge our own shortcomings in some cases."
Can service be halted through threats?
In February, Barisal Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital faced trouble for opposing a private ambulance drivers' syndicate. The hospital's directors were held hostage while trying to control the chaotic situation caused by the drivers. Consequently, the ambulance drivers united and halted the hospital's transport service, with the patients supporting the ambulance owners.
Regarding the possibility of charitable organizations or activities being threatened to stop, Health and Hope Hospital Chairman and public health expert Lenin Chowdhury said: "Strikes are subject to statutory rules. Organized bodies must follow a step-by-step approach. They should clearly state their claims and to whom they are addressed. A time limit should be set to meet those demands. If not addressed within that timeframe, further steps can be taken. I believe those who have been given time to make claims should contact them promptly to resolve the issue."
Why a policy is needed
In 2020, there was an announcement that ambulances carrying patients on bridges and ferries would be exempt from tolls. The government notification stated that the toll-free provision was to be effective from March 1 of that year. However, it has not been implemented yet, and ambulance owners are demanding the facility even when ambulances are empty, “solely for the benefit of patients.” They propose that a comprehensive directive would be more effective than individual instructions.
One of the key demands of ambulance owners is a national policy for ambulances. Golam Mostafa, the association's president, said: "Having a policy on our movement, pricing and ambulance standards will clear up many misunderstandings."
However, there have been numerous allegations of ambulances taking patients' relatives hostage, and there have been instances where hospitals were held hostage by syndicates. In response, he suggested: "Policies need to be formulated. We should establish a committee involving the Ministry of Health, civil society, the NBR and all relevant representatives."
