Manipal Hospitals explores eVTOL air ambulances for faster emergency transfers

Manipal Hospitals is partnering with Sarla Aviation and Aeromed International Rescue Services to explore the use of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft for emergency medical transport in India.

Under a tripartite memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed in August, the partners will work towards a next-generation air ambulance model designed to connect patients more rapidly with appropriate specialist care, potentially bypassing road congestion and reducing delays during critical transfers.

The collaboration combines Sarla Aviation’s eVTOL technology, Manipal Hospitals’ clinical expertise and hospital network, and Aeromed’s experience in air ambulance and medical evacuation operations.

Key areas of development will include the medical cabin for Sarla Aviation’s Shunya eVTOL, integration of medical equipment, and standardized procedures for transferring patients between ground ambulances, aircraft, and hospitals. The partners will also examine routes where faster transport could have the greatest clinical impact.

Potential use cases include trauma, heart attacks, strokes, newborns requiring specialist care, and organ transplantation. Training, insurance, safety frameworks, and research into patient outcomes will also form part of the program.

Dr H Sudarshan Ballal, Chairman of Manipal Hospitals, said: “The integration of advanced aviation technology with our healthcare expertise has the potential to significantly transform emergency and interhospital patient transfers. Through this collaboration, we hope to help shape a safe, clinically robust, and scalable model for next-generation air ambulance services in India, with the patient firmly at the center.”

The initiative could mark a significant step towards integrating emerging aviation technology with India’s emergency and specialist healthcare infrastructure.