According to Health Minister Hassan Qazizadeh Hashemi, Iran expects the delivery of four more air ambulances. Back in May, the EMS started operating six brand-new helicopters, all purchased after the 2016 nuclear agreement between Iran and world powers.
Enhancing air emergency services by using European choppers could be named as the most underrated benefit of the nuclear deal for Iran, as these are the first air ambulances ever used in the country. EMS has been operating 34 helicopters, all of which are leased from law-enforcement forces and army.
Since the beginning of President Hassan Rouhani’s administration, 2,400 ambulances and more than 240,200 motorbike ambulances have been added to EMS’ road fleet. The organization expects 1,400 more vehicles in the near future, Financial Tribune reported.
The new choppers have reportedly started operations in Sistan-Baluchestan, Khorasan Razavi and Ilam provinces, as well as small towns around Tehran where residents have no quick access to medical services.