KP yet to launch air ambulance service

PESHAWAR: The launch of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s air ambulance project has been delayed despite an earlier commitment by Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur.

Sources told the Geo News that while funds were allocated for the project in the Annual Development Programme, the government helicopter could not be repurposed as an air ambulance during the recent Kurram conflict. Instead, it was used to transport the injured and facilitate evacuations.

It was learnt that Rescue 1122 had offered to operate the air ambulance but was not allowed the task. A subsequent high-level meeting decided to entrust the project to the Civil Aviation Authority.When contacted to know the reasons for the delay in the service launching, KP Health Secretary Adil Shah said the project summary had been submitted to the chief minister for approval.

“The project, estimated to cost Rs 80 million, will be overseen by the Civil Aviation Authority. The air ambulance will be fully equipped with a stretcher and necessary medical facilities,” the secretary explained.