Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the severe issues surrounding the "black ambulance" industry in China, emphasizing the lack of regulatory oversight and the significant demand for non-emergency patient transport services, which has led families to resort to unsafe and unregulated options [3][9][26]. Group 1: Case Study of Liu Lili - Liu Lili's tragic death during a 12-hour ambulance transfer from Changchun to Beijing underscores the dangers of using unregulated "black ambulances," which lack proper medical equipment and qualified personnel [5][6][21]. - The family initially chose a seemingly legitimate ambulance service, which turned out to be a "black ambulance," leading to a court ruling that held the service responsible for 60% of the liability in Liu Lili's death [23][24]. - The incident has sparked public outrage and led to hospitals halting cross-province transport services, further complicating the situation for critically ill patients [8][9]. Group 2: Market Demand and Supply Issues - There is a significant gap in the non-emergency transport market, with estimates suggesting that tens of thousands of patients require transport services annually in cities like Changchun, while the number of legitimate ambulances is insufficient [9][26]. - The article notes that many families opt for "black ambulances" due to their lower costs and ease of access, despite the risks involved [11][27]. - In major cities like Shanghai, the demand for non-emergency transport is substantial, with estimates of 100,000 to 120,000 requests annually, highlighting the urgent need for a regulated transport system [29][30]. Group 3: Regulatory Challenges - The lack of a unified regulatory framework for non-emergency transport services has led to widespread issues, including exorbitant fees and unqualified personnel operating "black ambulances" [35][39]. - The article calls for the establishment of clear regulations and standards for non-emergency transport services to ensure patient safety and service quality [39]. - There is a growing consensus within the industry that compliance and regulation are essential for the sustainable development of non-emergency transport services [39].

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 Points - The establishment of a cross-border patient transfer mechanism between Zhuhai and Macau has significantly improved the efficiency of emergency medical services [1][2] - The "green life channel" was activated for the first time for a cross-border ambulance transfer, completing the process in just 2 minutes and 44 seconds [1] - The new mechanism allows for quicker coordination and processing of patient transfers, with efficiency improved by over 100% compared to previous methods [2] Summary by Sections - **Mechanism Establishment** - The Zhuhai Municipal Health Bureau issued a notification in April to establish a point-to-point cross-border transfer mechanism for patients and their families between Zhuhai and Macau [1] - The mechanism was developed in collaboration with designated hospitals, police, customs, and other port inspection units [1] - **Operational Efficiency** - The new process requires confirmation from both sides to initiate a transfer, followed by a notification to the Zhuhai Border Inspection Command Center [2] - The efficiency of the cross-border transfer has more than doubled, meeting the expectations set by the involved authorities [2] - **Future Improvements** - The Zhuhai Border Inspection Station plans to further enhance the process by improving coordination in vehicle guidance, document processing, and security monitoring [2]