Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has approved the launch of a free ambulance and mortuary van service to help transport deceased individuals from hospitals to their homes.
The decision was made during a meeting reviewing both government and private ambulance services across Punjab. Officials emphasized the need for a dedicated vehicle service for major public hospitals and all tehsils in the province.
Under the new plan, at least one mortuary van will be available in every tehsil to provide free transportation of deceased persons. Families can request the service through Punjab Emergency Service (Rescue 1122) or via hospital counters.
The service will also include inter-city transportation, ensuring deceased individuals can be moved from one city to another within Punjab at no cost. A smart management system will monitor operations to guarantee transparency and efficiency.
In addition to the free service, the government plans to regularize private ambulance services. Officials reviewed proposals to set standard rates and improve accountability for privately operated vehicles.
The chief minister has requested a detailed plan to operationalize the mortuary van and ambulance service across all tehsils promptly. The initiative aims to support bereaved families during critical times and improve public healthcare logistics.
While the announcement received praise, some political leaders criticized government spending priorities. Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman, chief of Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan, highlighted the purchase of an aircraft worth Rs11 billion amid rising poverty in Punjab.
He claimed that public funds are being spent on advertisements instead of real development. Hafiz Naeem also noted that nearly 10 million children in the province remain out of school, indicating urgent social challenges.
Despite these criticisms, officials stressed that the mortuary van service is a critical step toward supporting citizens and improving emergency response infrastructure. Families in need will now have easier access to dignified and timely transportation of deceased loved ones.
The free ambulance and mortuary van initiative is expected to improve public trust in provincial healthcare services and ensure efficient management during emergencies.
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