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 highlights the urgent need for regulation and standardization in the non-emergency medical transport sector, which has seen exploitative practices due to a lack of oversight and clear definitions of service [1][2] Group 1: Current Issues in Non-Emergency Medical Transport - A recent incident in Zhanjiang, where a social vehicle charged 1800 yuan for a 3-kilometer transport, exemplifies the exploitative behavior in the non-emergency medical transport market [1] - The increasing demand for non-emergency medical transport services, such as patient transfers and home care for terminally ill patients, underscores the importance of this service as a necessary supplement to emergency medical care [1] - The current lack of clear definitions for non-emergency medical transport allows many operators to evade regulation, leading to potential risks for patients during transport [1] Group 2: Proposed Solutions - There is an urgent need for the establishment of a national management framework for non-emergency medical transport services to prevent the "de-medicalization" phenomenon [2] - A diversified supply system should be constructed, including public tenders to attract social capital, a tiered pricing system, and pilot programs for insurance reimbursement [2] - The creation of a national unified dispatch platform is recommended to monitor vehicle locations, service records, and pricing details, while also addressing violations during service [2]