KARACHI: The provincial government has launched a free air ambulance service for the public under the Local Government Council Association.

Speaking at the signing of an agreement with Airlift Sales and Services Limited (ASSL) for the free air ambulance service on Monday, Energy Minister Nasir Hussain Shah and Local Government Minister Saeed Ghani emphasised the importance of the project.

They stated that the air ambulance would be crucial for transferring patients from Ghotki, Sukkur, and Khairpur to Karachi.

The local government minister mentioned that an agreement would be signed between ASSL Aviation and the three local councils.

He noted that transporting patients from cities located six hours away from Karachi has been a significant challenge. “Now, with the start of the air ambulance service, we will be able to save precious lives,” he added.

Minister Nasir Shah said that the air ambulance service would also be extended to Hyderabad, Thar, Nawabshah, and Larkana. “There is also a plan to operate the air ambulance at the airstrips in Badin,” he added.

Local Council Association chairman Syed Kamil Haider Shah stated that the air ambulance service was being launched in Sindh, allowing patients to be transported from South Punjab and north Sindh to Karachi, potentially saving their lives.

He noted that three district councils in Sindh are contracting with ASSL Aviation.

He further explained that the aircraft company would operate five free flights per month for the district councils of Sukkur, Ghotki, and Khairpur.

ASSL CEO Akbar Jafri mentioned that the company has been providing air ambulance services across the country, currently transporting patients from Multan, Rahim Yar Khan, Quetta, Balochistan, and other cities. “Now, we are starting the air ambulance service from Sukkur to Karachi,” he added.

He explained that patients from Sukkur, Ghotki, and Kashmore could be shifted to Karachi with this service. Under the contract with the Local Council Association Sindh, the company has provided a fully equipped aircraft, which includes stents, ventilators, oxygen, doctors, and paramedical staff.

Published in Dawn, August 13th, 2024