KARACHI, Sept 22: The City District Government Karachi has been allotted a toll-free number, 1122, for its rescue and ambulance services presently being operated with nine ambulances across the city with its central command at the Civic Centre.

Talking to Dawn on Monday, the Executive District Officer (health), Dr A.D. Sajnani, said that though the ambulance service had been launched some weeks back, the allotment of a toll-free telephone number to the city government by the Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited would enable the health department to run the service in an effective way. Besides, he said, further expansion of the service and medical-aid facility would be undertaken to ensure timely handling and care of people injured in road accidents, blasts or any other disaster.

About 140 paramedics and doctors had been identified for running the service, the EDO said, adding that 11 so-called black spots had also been marked for reporting of any emergency situation, which would be linked with the city government’s central control and command centre.

He said at least nine imported spacious ambulances equipped with necessary accident and trauma-related machines and first aid gadgets would be stationed at some fire stations and under flyovers. On receiving information about any accident, an ambulance would be immediately dispatched to the spot.

Dr Sajnani said that a project director for the rescue and ambulance service had been selected. He would plan and execute things for further expansion of the service and its integration with other related departments.

He said the toll-free number, which had been provided to the CDGK with the Sindh government’s approval, would start its formal operation shortly to ensure efficient and effective rescue and transportation services to victims of accident and natural disaster.