24 January 2004	Saturday	01 Zilhaj 1424

KARACHI, Jan 23: The non-governmental organizations and charitable institutions providing ambulance services to the ailing people in case of emergency in Pakistan are feeling handicapped to enhance this facility due to a ban on import of second hand machinery as this condition also restricts import of used ambulances donated by foreign organizations.

The voluntary organizations had approached the government to lift the ban at least on the import of donated second-hand ambulances, but the ministry of commerce, in a circular, stated that the ban would remain intact.

The circular says: "It has been observed that some NGOs and charitable institutions are importing banned, prohibited and restricted goods from foreign donors. As a result such unauthorized imports get stuck up at the ports on account of ban besides creating difficulties for the importing organizations, as well as the government.

In order to forestall the chances of difficulties, it is desirable that the NGOs and charitable institutions advise their donors not to donate banned and restricted type old and used goods. They should accept only those donations which are of standard quality and are in new condition."

The list attached with the banned second-hand machinery include ambulances, motorcycles, household machinery, air-conditioners, telephone sets, mobile phones, X-ray machines, automobile engines etc.

The St. John Ambulance Service, Karachi had also requested the ministry of commerce, Islamabad, for allowing the import of used ambulances donated free of cost by the foreign donors, but the ministry in a letter regretted that the request cannot be acceded to.

Abdul Shakoor, the Commissioner of St. John Ambulance Service, told PPI that the government hospitals have very limited ambulance services and it was only the NGOs and charitable organizations that have shouldered this responsibility. -PPI