Edhi Foundation adds 100 ambulances to its fleet

New ambulances will be used across the country


Our Correspondent December 04, 2017
Edhi Foundation head Faisal Edhi stands with crew of the newly-inducted ambulances. PHOTO: RASHID AJMERI/EXPRESS

KARACHI: The Edhi Foundation, a welfare organisation started by philanthropist Abdul Sattar Edhi, added 100 ambulances to its fleet on Sunday.

In a ceremony held at the Edhi Foundation office near Tower on Sunday, Faisal Edhi, the head of the foundation, handed the ambulances' keys over to the organisation's drivers. The ambulances will be used in the welfare organisation operations all over the country.

Currently, there is a fleet of 1,800 ambulances managed by the Edhi Foundation. It provides services across the country. However, according to Faisal, at least 400 ambulances in the fleet are worn out and need to be replaced.

Talking to The Express Tribune, Faisal said the foundation wants to acquire 200 new ambulances in the coming year in order to maintain its fleet. He has also requested donations to achieve this target.

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Faisal added that the addition of the new ambulances has been made keeping in mind the population explosion in the country. "We couldn't offer services during many bombings that took place recently in various parts of the country. Now, we can cater to more people," he said.

The newly-acquired ambulances will be used in Sukkur, Larkana, Shaheed Benazirabad, Hyderabad, Multan, Quetta, Peshawar, Lahore, Islamabad, Chitral and other parts of the northern areas of the country.

Out of the 100 ambulances, four were donated by a philanthropist, Faisal said, adding that the remaining vehicles were purchased by the Edhi Foundation with the donations it collects.

The Edhi Foundation head also said that after 10-day emergency first responder training, the ambulances will be given support of on-board paramedic staff.

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