“People Air Ambulance” starts in Balochistan

QUETTA:

For the first time in the history of Balochistan, people living in remote and underserved areas may soon have access to emergency medical evacuation by air, as the provincial government prepares to launch the ‘Peoples Air Ambulance’ service.

The project, described by officials as a major breakthrough in emergency health care, is expected to provide rapid medical transportation to patients suffering from serious injuries, road accidents or critical health conditions, especially in districts where long distances and poor road networks often delay treatment.

Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti said that the air ambulance is now fully ready for use and will soon be officially launched to the public. He said the initiative was aimed at ensuring that patients from remote areas could be quickly transferred to major hospitals in Quetta and other cities in case of emergency.

“For decades, many families living in remote areas have struggled to access timely medical care due to harsh terrain and lack of rapid transportation. This service aims to bridge this gap and help save precious human lives,” the chief minister said.

The aircraft has been equipped with modern emergency medical facilities, including essential life support equipment required for patient transfer. Qualified doctors and trained medical technicians will remain on board to provide immediate medical care during patient transport.

Officials say the service could significantly improve response times to emergencies across Balochistan, where patients often have to travel for hours before reaching specialized health facilities.

The provincial government said the initiative is part of broader efforts to modernize the health sector and strengthen emergency medical response systems in the province.

CM Bugti described the People’s Air Ambulance as more than just a transport project, terming it a humanitarian initiative aimed at making emergency healthcare accessible to ordinary citizens.

He also announced that Pakistan People’s Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari is expected to formally inaugurate the People’s Air Ambulance Service in the coming days.