Core Viewpoint - The increasing demand for non-emergency medical transport services is highlighted, driven by economic development and an aging population, alongside the challenges posed by illegal "black ambulances" that exploit this demand [5][9]. Group 1: Emergency vs. Non-Emergency Medical Transport - The healthcare system in China categorizes ambulances into two types: emergency medical services (EMS) funded by the government and non-emergency medical transport services, which are often market-driven and lack clear regulatory frameworks [7][10]. - Emergency medical services are well-established with unified dispatch systems, while non-emergency transport services are still developing, leading to inconsistencies and potential exploitation by unregulated operators [7][11]. Group 2: Issues with "Black Ambulances" - "Black ambulances" are characterized by low operational costs and often lack proper medical equipment and qualified personnel, posing significant risks to patients [8][9]. - The prevalence of these illegal services is attributed to a supply-demand imbalance in the non-emergency transport market, where legitimate services are insufficient to meet the needs of patients [9][10]. Group 3: Regulatory Challenges - The regulatory oversight of non-emergency medical transport is fragmented across various government departments, leading to ineffective enforcement against illegal operations [10][12]. - The lack of a unified policy framework at the national level complicates the establishment of standards for service quality, vehicle registration, and personnel qualifications [12][13]. Group 4: Proposed Solutions - Experts suggest expanding the supply of legitimate non-emergency medical transport services to meet diverse patient needs and reduce reliance on illegal operators [12][15]. - Recommendations include establishing a unified dispatch system, improving regulatory frameworks, and enhancing service standards to ensure patient safety and service quality [15][16].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the urgent need for standardized non-emergency patient transport services in China, highlighting the prevalence of illegal "black ambulances" and the challenges in regulating them while increasing legitimate service supply [1][2][3]. Regulatory Challenges - Recent incidents involving "black ambulances" have raised public concern, with reports of exorbitant transport fees and inadequate medical equipment [2]. - A case in Shaanxi involved a patient being charged 3,400 yuan for a transport that was initially quoted at 3,000 yuan, revealing the lack of regulation in this sector [2]. - The legal classification of long-distance patient transport remains ambiguous, complicating regulatory oversight across multiple departments, including health, public security, transportation, and market regulation [2][3]. Efforts to Combat Illegal Services - Various government departments have intensified efforts to combat the "black ambulance" phenomenon, aiming to enhance communication and coordination among them to form a regulatory synergy [3]. Expanding Legitimate Services - To address the pressing demand for non-emergency transport, the National Health Commission encourages local governments to explore diverse medical transport service models [4]. - Examples of successful models include government-established non-emergency transport service stations and public recruitment of service vehicle teams [5][6]. Recommendations for Safe Transport - Experts advise patients and families to verify the qualifications of transport vehicles, ensuring they possess the necessary licenses and medical equipment [7]. - It is crucial to confirm the presence of qualified medical personnel during transport, especially for critically ill patients [7]. - Transparency in pricing is essential; families should understand market rates and secure written agreements to avoid hidden costs [7].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses a complaint regarding the high cost of ambulance transfer for a critically ill child from a public hospital in Jiangxi to a hospital in Shanghai, highlighting issues related to pricing transparency and the involvement of private ambulance services [1][2][5]. Group 1: Incident Overview - A family complained to the health department about the 28,000 yuan fee charged by a private ambulance for an 800-kilometer transfer, which lacked detailed pricing and invoices [2][4]. - The public hospital explained that their ambulance could not operate out of the province, necessitating the use of a private service for the transfer of a patient requiring specialized equipment [3][4]. Group 2: Medical Transfer Context - Long-distance transfers of critically ill patients by ambulance are uncommon, with distances over 600 kilometers typically requiring alternative transport methods like high-speed trains [6][8]. - The use of specialized equipment such as ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation) significantly increases transfer costs due to the complexity and high expense of the equipment involved [13][14]. Group 3: Pricing and Regulations - Different regions have established pricing standards for long-distance medical transfers, with some areas charging around 25 yuan per kilometer for ambulance services [11][12]. - The lack of standardized pricing and the prevalence of private ambulance services for interprovincial transfers raise concerns about transparency and regulation in the medical transport sector [24][26]. Group 4: Industry Trends - There is a growing demand for non-emergency medical transport services, with various provinces beginning to regulate and encourage private medical transport providers [34][36]. - The increasing complexity of medical transfers, especially for critically ill patients, necessitates a reevaluation of existing service models and pricing structures in the healthcare industry [32][35].