Digital Revolution in Healthcare Services

Cashless PetroCards Introduced for 3,195 Government Ambulances Across Maharashtra

Fuel Management to Become Transparent, Emergency Healthcare Services to Get Faster

Mumbai: In a major step towards modernising Maharashtra’s healthcare system, the state government has launched Cashless PetroCards for all 3,195 government ambulances, making fuel procurement fully digital, transparent, and more efficient. The initiative was inaugurated by Public Health Minister Prakash Abitkar at the Directorate of Health Services in Mumbai.

Speaking at the launch, Minister Abitkar said that healthcare is one of the most critical public services and the effective use of technology is essential to strengthen it. The Cashless PetroCard system will eliminate hurdles in fuel procurement, ensure transparent financial transactions, and improve the speed and reliability of emergency medical services. It will also reduce administrative delays and make the overall system more accountable.

The initiative has been introduced in response to complaints regarding delays in fuel availability for government vehicles. Implemented in collaboration with HPCL, the scheme will provide Cashless PetroCards to all 3,195 government ambulances across the state, eliminating the need for cash transactions. Digital monitoring of fuel usage will enable better expenditure planning and effective tracking of fuel consumption.

The Health Minister also announced another significant decision: the 102 ambulance service, which was earlier limited to mothers and children, will now be available to all categories of patients. He directed officials to strengthen the 102 service so that it functions as a complementary and alternative emergency service alongside the existing 108 ambulance network.

Minister Abitkar reiterated that the Maharashtra Government is committed to making emergency healthcare services faster, more efficient, technology-driven, and citizen-centric through digital management, advanced monitoring, and improved service delivery.