‘People Air Ambulance’ starts in Balochistan

QUETA:

For the first time in the history of Balochistan, people living in remote and underserved areas will soon be able to access emergency medical evacuation by air, as the provincial government prepares to launch the “People’s Air Ambulance” service.

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

Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti said that the air ambulance was now fully ready for service and would soon be formally launched to the public. He said the initiative was designed to ensure that patients from remote areas could be quickly shifted to major hospitals in Quetta and other cities during emergencies.

“For decades, many families in remote areas struggled to access timely healthcare due to difficult terrain and lack of rapid transportation. This service aims to bridge that 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 during patient transfer. Qualified doctors and trained medical technicians will remain on board to provide immediate medical care while the patient is transported.

Officials believe the service could significantly improve emergency response times across Balochistan, where patients often endure hours of travel before reaching specialized healthcare 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 transportation project, terming it a humanitarian initiative aimed at making emergency medical care accessible to common citizens.

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