Regulation Hub

The rules behind every ride, explained.

Five frameworks shape how ambulances are built, run and recorded in India. Here is what each one asks, and what it means for you.

Five frameworksPlain language
  1. 1Balance of duties
  2. 2Standards
  3. 3Rules on record
  4. 4Plain language
  • 015 frameworksIn plain language
  • 02FamiliesWhat to expect
  • 03HospitalsWhat to ask for
  • 04OperatorsWhat to meet
The frameworks

What each one means for you

NAS 2026
In plain language

National Ambulance Services Guidelines 2026

How ambulance services should be organised, equipped, staffed and dispatched, including integrated command and dispatch.

  • For familiesExpect one number, a trained call taker and a vehicle matched to the care the patient needs.
  • For hospitalsExpect ambulance partners to share structured case information and work to common protocols.
  • For operatorsExpect clearer requirements on vehicles, crews, training and how calls are dispatched.
Read more
AIS 125
In plain language

Automotive Industry Standard 125

The national standard for how road ambulances are built and equipped, with separate requirements for patient transport, basic and advanced life support.

  • For familiesThe vehicle that arrives has been built for the care level it is sent for.
  • For hospitalsTransfers arrive in vehicles fitted for the patient's condition.
  • For operatorsBody, equipment and safety fittings must match the ambulance type you run.
Read more
ABDM
In plain language

Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission

India's digital health framework, built around ABHA health IDs and linked health records that patients control.

  • For familiesWith consent, an emergency record can be linked to the patient's ABHA health ID.
  • For hospitalsRecords can follow the patient across providers, with consent.
  • For operatorsTrip and care records can become part of the patient's health history.
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NABH
In plain language

National Accreditation Board for Hospitals

Accreditation standards for hospitals in India, including how patient transfers and handovers are documented.

  • For familiesAccredited hospitals follow defined steps when a patient is moved or received.
  • For hospitalsTransfer and handover records are part of what auditors review.
  • For operatorsClean, complete trip records make you an easier partner for accredited hospitals.
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DPDP
In plain language

Digital Personal Data Protection Act 2023

India's law on personal data, covering notice, consent, purpose, security and the rights of the people the data is about.

  • For familiesYou have a right to know how personal data is used and to raise a grievance.
  • For hospitalsPatient data shared by partners must be handled for a clear purpose and kept secure.
  • For operatorsCrew apps and trip records hold personal data and must be protected.
Read more
Two RISA crew members prepare a stretcher beside an ambulance
Why it matters

The 2026 guidelines raise the bar for every ambulance service in India.

RISA checks every vehicle against AIS 125 and follows the 2026 guidelines, so partners do not have to work it out alone.

Important

About these summaries

These are plain language summaries for general information. They are not legal advice. Always refer to the official text, or ask a qualified adviser.

Good practice

Before you rely on a summary

  • Check the official text
  • Note the version and date
  • Ask a qualified adviser
  • Write to RISA with questions
Summaries reviewed by RISA compliance
Emergency · Toll free · 24x7

Questions about a framework?

Write to the RISA team.

Questions and answers

The Regulation Hub, answered

In an emergency, call 1800 108 1800 at any hour. For anything else, write to contact@smartambulance.com.

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Is this legal advice?

No. These are plain language summaries for general information.

How often is the hub updated?

When a framework changes. Check the official text for the latest version.

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