The 'traffic dilemma': Rethinking emergency medical logistics in megacities.

Abstract

Fast-growing megacities face a critical logistical challenge: urban congestion significantly disrupts emergency medical systems, delaying access to urgent care and compromising patient outcomes. High traffic density, particularly during peak hours, undermines ambulance responsiveness and the equitable provision of emergency services. While existing solutions - such as compact emergency vehicles, medical drones and intelligent traffic management systems - offer promising improvements, they remain insufficient in isolation. Addressing this issue requires a systemic and coordinated response involving local authorities, emergency services, urban planners and citizens. This opinion paper argues for the integration of logistics and healthcare planning within urban policy frameworks, emphasising the need for strategic infrastructure investment and enhanced inter-agency coordination. The relevance of this analysis extends beyond local contexts: it directly contributes to international public health agendas, particularly the World Health Organization's recommendations on emergency preparedness and different United Nations' sustainable development goals. Ensuring rapid and equitable access to emergency care is no longer an operational concern alone - it is a public health and social equity imperative.