SPAIN: In a significant step toward modernizing emergency healthcare in India, SumeetSSG, an Indo-Spanish joint venture, has teamed up with Apollo Hospitals Group’s URLife and MedSkills to strengthen the Maharashtra Emergency Medical Services (MEMS 108) project. The collaboration aims to recruit, train, and deploy thousands of medical personnel and over 1,000 advanced ambulances across the state, ensuring faster, more efficient, and free emergency care for citizens in both urban and rural areas. Leading this initiative is Sudhanshu Karandikar, CEO of SumeetSSG, whose career embodies the growing business ties between India and Spain.
Announced in October 2025, the partnership brings together SumeetSSG’s operational expertise in emergency services with Apollo’s renowned training and healthcare capabilities. Under the agreement, URLife will hire more than 2,300 qualified doctors, while Apollo MedSkills will deliver specialized training to over 4,500 personnel in life-saving interventions, advanced trauma management, and emergency best practices. SumeetSSG will handle the deployment of a large fleet of ambulances staffed by highly trained medical officers and drivers. Karandikar emphasized the training component’s importance, stating, “Apollo MedSkills will spearhead the comprehensive training framework to ensure that all emergency personnel are proficient in life-saving interventions, advanced trauma management, and emergency response best practices.”
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This project aligns with SumeetSSG’s broader mission to elevate emergency medical services in India to international standards. The company operates under a public-private partnership model, having secured a major contract to manage EMS operations across Maharashtra with over 1,500 vehicles. Its ambulances feature cutting-edge technology, including lightweight aluminum construction, digital oxygen delivery systems, integrated CANbus controls, and durable materials designed for reliability during the critical “golden hour” of emergencies. By combining these advanced fleets with rigorous training and recruitment, the initiative seeks to reduce response times, improve patient outcomes, and provide transparent, accountable care to millions.
Karandikar’s role at the helm of SumeetSSG reflects his deep roots in both India and Spain. Born and educated in India, he attended Vimalabai Garware High School in Pune and later pursued higher studies, including an MBA from the Indian Institute of Management, Lucknow. His early career included engineering positions with Indian firms such as Thermax Babcock & Wilcox, where he gained hands-on experience in mechanical engineering and industrial operations. This foundation in technical and business disciplines set the stage for his transition to international consulting and strategy.
After relocating to Spain, Karandikar built a distinguished career in management consulting, mergers and acquisitions, and cross-border business development. He held senior roles at PwC España and BDO Spain, specializing in M&A for sectors including technology and life sciences. He also served as Director Internacional at Rudder Marine Services & Ship Repairs in Barcelona and led transformation projects at Health-Circuit, focusing on digital healthcare pathways. Described as a versatile business manager with experience across Asia and Europe, he has consistently positioned himself as a bridge between Indian and Spanish markets. His expertise spans operational excellence, strategy, and facilitating investments, often through moderating high-profile discussions on bilateral trade.
Karandikar has actively contributed to strengthening India-Spain relations. In March 2025, he moderated a roundtable at the Focus India event in Madrid, organized with support from the Embassy of India and KPMG. The discussion featured leaders from companies like Catenon and Roadis, exploring experiences of Spanish firms operating in India, ease of doing business, and tax incentives. Such engagements highlight his role in fostering dialogue and partnerships that benefit both nations. His LinkedIn activity frequently touches on topics like India-EU trade deals, underscoring his commitment to economic ties.
Sudhanshu Karandikar Redefining Emergency Healthcare in India
SumeetSSG itself stands as a prime example of Karandikar’s vision in action. Established as a strategic joint venture between Sumeet Group Enterprises in Pune, India, and SSG Transporte Sanitario in Seville, Spain, the company merges India’s large-scale operational capacity with Europe’s innovative EMS practices. SSG Transporte Sanitario, one of Europe’s leading emergency service providers, brings advanced protocols and technology, while Sumeet Group contributes extensive reach and local knowledge. The result is a platform dedicated to delivering fast, reliable, and world-class emergency care in India.
Karandikar’s leadership has propelled SumeetSSG forward since its inception. The company’s work extends beyond the Maharashtra contract. In 2024, it introduced an upgraded fleet of ambulances equipped with specialized medical gear to optimize care during critical emergencies. These efforts reflect a broader goal of transforming public health infrastructure through private innovation. By partnering with established players like Apollo Hospitals, SumeetSSG ensures that global standards reach grassroots levels, addressing gaps in India’s emergency response system.
The impact of this collaboration extends far beyond numbers. Maharashtra, one of India’s most populous states, faces challenges in timely emergency care, particularly in rural regions. Enhanced training and ambulance deployment promise to save lives by minimizing delays and improving treatment quality. Karandikar has framed the initiative as a reaffirmation of commitment to strengthening India’s healthcare ecosystem, blending international best practices with local needs.
Karandikar’s journey from Pune to Barcelona illustrates the potential of cross-cultural expertise in driving meaningful change. His technical background, consulting experience, and strategic insight have positioned him uniquely to lead ventures like SumeetSSG. As CEO, he not only oversees operations but also champions the fusion of Indian scale and Spanish innovation to address pressing societal needs.
Looking ahead, SumeetSSG’s work in Maharashtra could serve as a model for other states, demonstrating how Indo-Spanish partnerships can tackle public health challenges. For Karandikar, this represents the culmination of years spent building bridges between two dynamic economies. His contributions continue to highlight the value of international collaboration in creating lasting improvements in people’s lives.
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