The Punjab government, after a high-level meeting, has approved a significant and first-of-its-kind initiative to provide a free hearse service across the province, while measures to regulate private ambulance operators are also being considered.
Presiding over a special meeting Aj SbH, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif approved this program, which will facilitate the transportation of the deceased from the hospital to the residence. A comprehensive plan has been sought to launch the service of government vehicles in major government hospitals and in every tehsil.
Under this scheme, there will be at least one dedicated vehicle for this purpose in every tehsil of Punjab. Grieving families will be able to request the free vehicle by calling the 1122 emergency number or by making arrangements directly at the hospital counter.
To ensure efficiency and transparency, the entire hearse service will be monitored through a smart management system. This facility will also be provided for transporting the deceased from one hospital to another city, which will be completely free of charge.
During the meeting, where Secretary Emergency Services Dr. Rizwan Naseer gave a detailed briefing, it was agreed to introduce regulations for private ambulance services operating in the province.
Furthermore, a proposal to establish fixed rates for private ambulance services, with the aim of standardizing the cost for the public, was also reviewed.