Private ambulances : CDGK to frame bylaws to manage services

Although helpful, ambulances need to be managed to prevent traffic problems, says DCO Karachi.

KARACHI: The city district government, Karachi (CDGK) will frame bylaws to manage private ambulance services efficiently, decided DCO Karachi Muhammad Hussain Syed.

Chairing a meeting on Saturday, he said that the increase in private ambulances is beneficial to the people but it has also created traffic problems. “Sometimes, it is difficult for fire brigades to enter an accident site.”

He directed the participants of the meeting to set up a Disaster Coordination Cell and prepare bylaws.

Meanwhile, Syed also announced that a new subject on road safety would also be introduced in CDGK-run schools. The meeting was informed that the city government has started installing traffic signboards at Sharae Faisal to make it a corridor of international standards. The DCO Karachi directed that the work be completed within a month and the signboards on all corridors and major roads must be in both Urdu and English.

Earlier, Road Traffic Injury Research and Prevention Centre’s Dr Amir Muhammad said measures taken by CDGK have helped in controlling traffic accidents. He said the flow of traffic has increased on the many flyovers constructed and now more pedestrian bridges need to be made.

However, he told the meeting that accidents had occurred at the Malir River Causeway, Korangi, Mauripur Road, the National Highway, Port Qasim Authority Road, Jinnah Bridge and the Northern Bypass. “Immediate measures are needed to control such incidents,” he added.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 23^rd, 2011.