Rural populations in India do not have a reliable way to access health services. World Health Partners is currently designing a sidecar ambulance that can be attached to commonly available motorbikes. Not only will the service provide emergency transportation, but will also serve as a business opportunity for local entrepreneurs. Making emergency transportation available and affordable will complete the comprehensive set of health services that WHP brings to the rural poor.
In rural India where roads are poor and infrastructure is weak, emergency transportation is non-existent - mothers cannot get to hospitals to give birth, young children cannot get the live saving critical care when necessary. WHP's motorcycle ambulance, implemented as part of our comprehensive health service delivery network, and operated by local villagers will ensure reliable transportation is available and affordable to rural villagers.
WHP will transform commonly available motorcycles in rural Bihar, into an ambulance by building an affordable and detachable sidecar attachment. The ambulance will be equipped with oxygen and other emergency medical supplies. Social entrepreneurs will operate the ambulances after receiving training from WHP to maximize sustainability.This service will be incorporated into WHP's existing comprehensive health service network seamlessly.
WHP operates as a social franchise, working with existing resources to ensure sustainability of projects for the long term. Ambulances will be owned and operated by social entrepreneurs/franchisees. Because an investment is required, the entrepreneur holds a stake in the business, and the project can better assure quality and ensure sustainability of the service. Long term impact for rural communities are significant reduction in mortality rates, especially maternal and infant mortality.
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).
