Rescue 1122: Sindh health dept gets over 50 ambulances in first phase

230 ambulances in total to be integrated into the system by October

KARACHI:

Sindh Health Department has received over 50 ambulances from the provincial government, in collaboration with the World Bank, as part of an initiative to establish rescue and emergency services in the province. 

In total, around 230 ambulances will cater to the need of the province and all phases are expected to be completed by October of this year. 

Minister for Health and Population Welfare Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho attended the inauguration ceremony as chief guest along with Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah.

Sindh is one of the most vulnerable regions in terms of climate change and natural disasters, there are also high incidences of road traffic accidents and that is why it is integral that there be rescue services available in the province.

Speaking at the event, Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho said there are already 85 ambulances available in Thatta, Sajawal and Karachi. However, the new ambulances being integrated into the system will have advanced trauma, cardiac and obstetric life support facilities available inside the vehicles.

She added that the ambulances will have trained personnel including drivers and paramedics that are both trained in first aid at least.

In addition, fire department and police services will also be merged into the rescue service so that all emergencies can be catered to when 1122 is dialled and emergencies are responded to.

The provincial health minister further stated that aside from ambulance services, there will also be rapid response centres starting from Mirpur Mathelo and going on till Gambat, Moro, Hyderabad, Nooriabad, and Malir Karachi.

These rapid response centres will be satellites of the Shaheed Benazirabad Trauma Center. There will also be a rescue centre every 50km along the highway so as to respond as quickly as possible to any roadside emergencies.