China Ambulance Service Market Analysis

The China Ambulance Service Market size stood at around xx Bn in 2023 and is projected to reach US $xx Bn by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of xx% during the forecast period.

The China Ambulance Service Market Analysis Executive Summary

Emergency pre-hospital care, stabilization of severe diseases and injuries, and patient transport for follow-up care are all provided by ambulances or ambulance services. By offering pre-hospital care for the injured, ambulance services play a crucial role in connecting medical care and disaster management systems. The spectrum of services provided by ambulances includes organizing prompt patient transportation to the next site of care or providing emergency care to those in need. 

Ambulance services play a crucial role in connecting medical care and disaster management systems by offering injured patients pre-hospital care. The spectrum of services provided by ambulances includes treating patients who require emergency care as well as scheduling prompt patient transfers to alternative facilities.

Emergency medical services (EMS) on a global scale are sufficiently developed to significantly impact the way the healthcare system operates as a whole. The EMS system is regarded by the World Health Organization as a crucial component of an efficient and well-functioning healthcare system.

The demand for ambulance services is driven by an increase in the number of accidents, the introduction of new ambulances equipped with the newest technology to fulfill primary healthcare demands, and attractive reimbursement regulations.

China Ambulance Service Dynamics

Market Growth Drivers Analysis

Enhancing Ambulance Services with Telemedicine and Advanced Technology: Ambulance services are increasingly integrating telemedicine capabilities, enabling emergency medical personnel to consult with doctors remotely. This facilitates faster diagnostic and treatment decisions, improving patient outcomes. Additionally, modern medical technology such as ventilators, point-of-care testing equipment, heart monitors, and advanced life support systems are being equipped in ambulances to enhance patient care during transport.

Data-Driven Improvements in Ambulance Services: Ambulance services are using data analytics and performance monitoring systems to measure key performance indicators, optimize resource allocation, and identify areas for improvement. This data-driven approach enhances both patient care quality and operational efficiency.

Rising Demand for Ambulance Services Due to Increased Accidents: The rise in personal and commercial vehicle use has led to more accidents, necessitating emergency ambulance services. The United States, with around 10 million traffic accidents annually, sees two to four million drivers sustain lifelong injuries each year, driving demand for ambulance services.

Impact of an Aging Population on Ambulance Services: Improvements in healthcare have increased the average lifespan in regions like the United States, Japan, and China. According to the World Health Organization, the global elderly population is expected to rise from 524 million in 2010 to 2 billion by 2050. The elderly are more susceptible to illnesses and physical impairments, increasing the demand for routine medical transportation services.

Market Growth in Basic Life Support (BLS) Ambulance Services: In 2021, the BLS segment dominated the ambulance service market. BLS ambulances, staffed by emergency medical technicians, serve patients with complex fractures, those undergoing medical treatments, and individuals with mental health issues. The increasing number of surgeries worldwide is expected to drive growth in this segment, as patients require transportation between hospitals and homes.

Growing Need for Air Ambulance Services: The rise in chronic illnesses leading to cardiac arrests is expanding the ambulance service market. For instance, the incidence of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests varies by region, with 28.3 cases per 100,000 people in Asia and 54.6 cases per 100,000 in North America. The high rate of cardiac arrests is anticipated to boost the demand for air ambulances, which offer the fastest service.

Regulatory Developments and Government Initiatives in Air Ambulance Services: The increasing demand for air ambulances has led to the development of regulations ensuring their safe and efficient deployment. In September 2021, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Department of Labor (DOL), and the Department of the Treasury proposed new rules for air ambulance services. These regulations are expected to drive market growth. Additionally, government initiatives to launch air ambulance services globally are anticipated to further accelerate market expansion.

Market Restraints

Many regions, especially in developing countries, lack sufficient ambulances and well-equipped vehicles to serve large geographic areas due to poor infrastructure. This leads to ambulances performing poorly and wearing out quickly. The increasing demand for ambulance services due to an aging population, rising chronic illnesses, and expanding urbanization is putting a strain on available resources. This pressure may result in longer response times, delayed patient care, and increased stress among ambulance personnel, ultimately limiting the market's growth potential.

Difficulty in recruiting and retaining skilled personnel due to demanding nature of the job, lower remuneration, and limited opportunities for career advancement make it challenging to recruit and retain skilled ambulance personnel, which restrains market expansion.

Moreover, the high cost of ambulance services and lack of suitable infrastructure and unfavorable reimbursement scenario in low- and middle-income countries are projected to challenge market growth.

Competitive Landscape for Ambulance Service Dynamics in China

Key Players

• Babcock International Group PLC
• London Ambulance Service NHS Trust
• Acadian Ambulance Service
• BVG
• America Ambulance Service, Inc.
• Falck A/S
• Global Medical Response
• Air Methods Corporation
• Ziqitza Healthcare Limited
• MEDIVIC PHARMACEUTICAL PVT LTD. 

Recent Developments and Mergers and Acquisitions

In September 2023, Acadian Ambulance Service stated an agreement to purchase nearly all of St. Landry EMS's assets had been completed. Through this acquisition, Acadian will be able to hire 35–40 new employees and run four more units, enhancing its services in the Hub City and Central Louisiana regions. It is anticipated that this agreement would further strengthen both companies' steadfast dedication to providing excellent emergency medical treatment and improve their capacity to serve communities.

In August 2023, Huntsville Hospital and HEMSI Ambulance Service combine to provide more services in the northern part of Alabama.

In May 2023, In an effort to reduce operational disturbance and provide reliable, high-quality service for the communities, Empress EMS has announced the acquisition of Mobile Life Support Services. It is anticipated that this joint venture will increase the company's income.

In June 2022, Dial4242 Ambulance service has joined with Care4Parents, an eldercare services portal in India. Users of Care4Parents will be able to quickly schedule an ambulance as part of this partnership. This is a round-the-clock service.

In May 2022, a group of investors in Ziqitza Health Care Limited, the top private enterprise in India for emergency medical response and transportation (Life Support Ambulance Service), and MUrgency Group entered into final share purchase agreements. 

In June 2021, the Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation (ADDF) Diagnostics Accelerator released four new research investments to develop digital biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease diagnosis.

In March 2022, Quanterix, a life sciences company and Eli Lilly and Company, a pharmaceutical company announced that they have signed a collaboration agreement for the diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of Alzheimer's disease

Healthcare Policies and Regulatory Landscape for Ambulance Service Dynamics in China

Policy changes and Reimbursement scenario

The high cost of ambulance services and lack of suitable infrastructure and unfavorable reimbursement scenario in low- and middle-income countries are projected to challenge market growth. According to United Healthcare's reimbursement policy, only an Ambulance Supplier is eligible for reimbursement of ambulance services, and certain supplies and services are considered bundled into the ambulance transportation codes and not separately reimbursed.

Governments and non-government organizations are making significant investments in the research and development of ambulance services to improve access and quality of emergency medical care. Several state governments and municipal corporations in India have launched ambulance services for the public to ensure accessible emergency medical transportation.

As more companies enter the market and competition intensifies, increased accessibility and affordability of ambulance services are anticipated. Regulatory bodies are working cooperatively with industry stakeholders to promote an atmosphere favorable to innovation in ambulance services.