I see it being used not to transport a patient but the driver’s friends and relatives all going to a picnic.
LAHORE: In civilised countries people who drive cars immediately move out of the way when they hear an ambulance passing by. This is because in most such cases, time is of the essence and a few minutes can in fact save lives, and society at large understands that fully.
Hence, it is very disturbing to see in Pakistan how this is misused by some people. Many times, I have heard an ambulance come behind my car, with sirens blaring, and I do my best to get out of its way. And what do I see — I see it being used not to transport a patient in need of urgent medical care but the driver’s friends and relatives all going (presumably) to a picnic. Hospitals that own ambulances should have a system in place to prevent this misuse of ambulances. Furthermore, the traffic police should also do its bit to check this misuse.
Sufian Liaqat
Published in The Express Tribune, July 29th, 2014.
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