Inter-city buses lack onboard medical facilities

Majority of passenger vehicles operate without basic first aid boxes

KARACHI:

In a glaring oversight, the inter-city and inter-provincial bus network operates without essential medical emergency facilities, leaving countless passengers vulnerable. Despite hundreds of buses linking the southern port hub to distant cities, the lack of on-board medical aid and emergency protocols exposes travelers to significant risks, exposing a serious gap in the city's transport infrastructure that has seemingly been overlooked by both transport authorities and operators.

Details obtained by The Express Tribune reveal that an extensive network of 450 to 500 buses and coaches operates daily between Karachi and various cities, near and far, with most vehicles lacking essential medical aid resources and equipment. This issue is further compounded by the absence of medical emergency rescue and relief centers at most bus terminals and along major highways. When asked, several passengers reported that in medical emergencies, drivers—typically untrained to handle such situations—rely entirely on external rescue organizations or motorway police for assistance.

While the president of a bus union claims that 80 per cent of modern buses and coaches are equipped with first aid boxes, several passengers dispute this, saying they have never seen one on board. Although the Sindh Transport Department mandates that all coaches and buses carry first aid boxes, its enforcement remains on paper. The department has also pledged to provide medical and rescue training to bus staff, but this commitment is similarly limited to paper.

Saba Yaqoob, traveling from Karachi to Faisalabad with her son, experienced discomfort during her journey when she developed a fever. Seeking relief from the ticket checker, she was informed that the bus lacked medical facilities. Yaqoob had to wait until the bus reached Hyderabad to purchase medication, which provided some relief.

Similarly, Yasir, on a trip from Karachi to Mansehra with his family, encountered a lack of medical provisions when his 13-year-old daughter, Areeba, suffered severe stomach pain. After the bus departed from Saddar Bus Terminal, Yasir requested a painkiller from the ticket checker, only to be told that none was available. The family disembarked at Sohrab Goth Bus Terminal, where they found no medical facilities, forcing them to seek treatment at a nearby hospital.

No rides for disabled

While special ramps for disabled passengers are a standard feature worldwide, such arrangements are not typically found at Karachi's bustling bus terminals. Sadia Afsheen, traveling from Karachi to Kot Addu, highlighted the inadequate facilities for passengers with disabilities. Born with polio and reliant on a wheelchair, Afsheen faced significant challenges boarding an air-conditioned coach at Saddar Bus Terminal due to the absence of ramps and special assistance. "I was able to board the bus with the help of my family," said Afsheen, who appeared visibly frustrated.

Routes without medical facilities

Criticizing the insufficient presence of hospitals or rescue centers on major inter-city routes, Dr. Pir Ghulam Nabi Shah Jilani, a health expert, said: "Rescue and relief medical centers should be established every 50 to 100 kilometers on highways and motorways, and mandatory medical emergency training should be provided for bus staff." A spokesperson for the Motorway Police confirmed that they patrol motorways and national highways and provide assistance through their emergency helpline. They are tasked with responding promptly to medical emergencies during travel.

Govt's claim

When contacted, Sindh Transport Department officials stated that all bus owners are required to equip their vehicles with first aid boxes and emergency contact numbers. "We are working on providing emergency medical training to bus staff in collaboration with rescue organizations. The department's monitoring teams are also responsible for enforcing compliance and addressing violations," they said.