K-P's air ambulance ready for takeoff after successful test

Health Advisor took part in the test flight and was briefed on the helicopter's conversion into an air ambulance.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) government has completed a successful test flight for its first-ever air ambulance service, using an MI-17 helicopter that will be converted to offer emergency medical services.

Health Advisor, Ihtisham Ali, took part in the test flight and was briefed on the Russia-made military transport helicopter's conversion into an air ambulance, Express News reported.

He confirmed that the provincial government is adapting the MI-17 helicopter for the public service of emergency medical evacuations, with necessary medical equipment and modifications being installed to meet international standards.

Speaking to the media, Ihtisham Ali emphasised that the government, under the special directive of Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, is using the MI-17 helicopter for the first time to serve the people’s health needs.

"This helicopter has already been instrumental in delivering medicines and evacuating patients to safer locations during emergencies, saving thousands of lives," Ali added.

The air ambulance service will not incur additional charges for the public, as the MI-17 helicopter is owned by the provincial government. It is set to become the country’s first state-of-the-art air ambulance system, offering high-quality, efficient services for medical emergencies across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The Mi-17 helicopter has a climb rate of 8 meters per second.  Its maximum speed is 250 km/h, with a cruise speed of 225 km/h.

The helicopter boasts a range of 465 km and can operate at a service ceiling of 6,000 meters.

It has a weight of approximately 7,489 kg, with a maximum take-off weight of 13,000 kg, as reported by the Operational Environment Data Integration Network (ODIN) website.