In a groundbreaking initiative, the Sindh provincial government has launched a free air ambulance service designed to provide life-saving medical transportation for critically ill patients from remote areas to major hospitals in Karachi.
This service, initiated under the Local Government Council Association, represents a significant advancement in the province’s healthcare infrastructure, offering a new lifeline to those in need.
On Monday, Sindh’s Energy Minister Nasir Hussain Shah and Local Government Minister Saeed Ghani formalized the launch of the free air ambulance service by signing an agreement with Airlift Sales and Services Limited (ASSL).
The service, primarily targeting remote areas like Ghotki, Sukkur, and Khairpur, aims to address the critical delays often encountered in ground transportation to Karachi’s advanced medical facilities.
Local Government Minister Saeed Ghani highlighted the urgency of this service, noting that the current six-hour journey from these remote cities to Karachi often jeopardizes patients’ lives.
“With the air ambulance service now operational, we will save countless lives,” Ghani emphasized.
Energy Minister Nasir Hussain Shah announced plans to extend the service to additional regions, including Hyderabad, Thar, Nawabshah, and Larkana, with potential operations at airstrips in Badin.
This expansion underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing healthcare accessibility across the province.
Syed Kamil Haider Shah, Chairman of the Local Council Association, revealed that the service will also benefit patients in South Punjab and North Sindh, marking it as a regional healthcare initiative.
He confirmed that the service will initially offer five free flights per month for district councils in Sukkur, Ghotki, and Khairpur, in collaboration with ASSL Aviation.
ASSL CEO Akbar Jafri elaborated on the service’s operational details, mentioning the successful history of air ambulance services across Pakistan.
The aircraft involved are fully equipped with advanced medical facilities and staffed by experienced doctors and paramedics, ensuring high-quality care during transit.
