Punjab’s Emergency Service Rescue 1122 is set to launch an air ambulance service in the province to swiftly respond to disasters and transport critically ill patients from remote areas to medical facilities.
The Punjab government plans to allocate Rs440 million annually for the initiative. The plan involves deploying two airplanes strategically across Punjab, with one stationed in the south, likely Multan or Bahawalnagar, and the other in the north, potentially Rawalpindi or Mianwali. This setup ensures comprehensive coverage of the entire province during emergencies.
The decision to launch air ambulance service was announced by Maryam Nawaz, during her inaugural address at the Punjab Assembly.
“Our people lose their lives for not being shifted to hospitals in time in case of an accident, especially in the remote areas,” said Maryam Nawaz while presiding over a meeting on the Air Ambulance Project in Punjab.
She said it was essential to get the accident victims to the hospitals in time.
“The air ambulance service will be started in Punjab soon and Rescue 1122 service will also be started on highways,” she added.
The Rescue 1122 department has reportedly started seeking proposals from companies able to provide air ambulance services. Two members of Maryam’s cabinet, Khawaja Salman Rafique and Khawaja Imran Nazir, recently visited the Rescue headquarters to discuss the proposed air ambulance service and other issues. Khawaja Salman Rafique manages matters related to Rescue 1122, on top of his cabinet duties.
Operational details
- Air ambulances will accommodate essential personnel and equipment, including pilots, paramedics, patients on stretchers, and attendants.
- The aircraft will have designated space and ports for medical equipment like stretchers, monitors, ventilators, defibrillators, and oxygen supply systems.
- The selected provider will ensure compliance with aviation regulations set by the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) and obtain necessary certifications.
- Responsibilities of the service provider include fuel provision, pilot staffing, ground crew support, spare parts procurement, and aircraft maintenance.
- The Emergency Services Department will oversee the provision of medical personnel and equipment during flight operations.
- Regular inspections will ensure the aircraft’s airworthiness and safety standards are maintained.
- The allocated budget will cover coordination efforts with relevant authorities, such as air traffic control, to ensure smooth operations.
Health professionals welcome the initiative
Healthcare professionals welcomed the initiative, believing it holds immense potential to save lives.
Professor Al-Fareed Zafar, Principal of Ameer Uddin Medical & Lahore General Hospital, praised CM Maryam Nawaz’s decision, calling it a commendable step in line with contemporary needs. He emphasized the challenges posed by traffic congestion, accidents, and industrial mishaps, hindering the timely transportation of the injured.
Through this initiative, countless lives will be safeguarded, said Prof. Al-Fareed Zafar, expressing confidence in the positive impact it will have.