LAHORE:Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar on Friday gave approval in principle to a summary for the launch of air ambulance service in the province.
The CM said Punjab is the first province in the region, as well as in the country, to introduce this most modern service for executing rescue operations in far-flung areas.
The chief minister was briefed that extended rescue services would be started in 86 tehsils while the delivery of 249 new ambulances would start from the next month.
Rescue 1122 will release a tender for starting air ambulance service. While directing to complete the spadework without delay, the CM instructed the department concerned to complete the hiring of pilots at the earliest. This air ambulance service will be equipped with all necessary medical equipment, paramedics and rescuer to save lives.
This most modern air-ambulance facility could also land and take off from highways and motorways to transfer patients from remote areas to teaching and specialised hospitals for treatment. The victims of road accidents would also be airlifted to nearby hospitals without delay.
Meanwhile, the start of the rescue cadet course for students was being deliberated upon. A 12-member community level rescue team would be constituted in every UC to provide first aid in emergencies, the meeting was informed.
The chief minister chaired a meeting at his office in which he was briefed about anti-polio measures. Punjab Health Minister Dr Yasmin Rashid, Secretary Primary and Secondary Healthcare, representative of UNICEF polio team and others were also present.
The CM expressed satisfaction that the samples of sewage collected in Lahore and other districts have been found polio-free. This is an important achievement and the health department, as well as anti-polio teams, deserve accolades; he added and directed to continue provincial anti-polio drive for administering the vaccine to all children below the age of five years. The children are being administered anti-polio, measles and rubella vaccines across Punjab to save them from these ailments, he stated.
Earlier, South Korean ambassador Suh Sangpyo called on Chief Minister Buzdar at his office on Friday to discuss matters of mutual interest. Both sides agreed to enhance cooperation in IT, skills development, tourism, healthcare and other sectors.
The CM pointed out that both the countries enjoy friendly relations and strong economic ties adding that trade and economic relations should be further promoted. Bilateral exchange of trade and cultural delegations would boost the friendship between both countries.
“The provincial government is desirous of benefiting from South Korean experiences of utilising technology for development as conducive investment opportunities are available in Punjab,” he said and pointed out that an investment facilitation cell has been established to start one-window operations and foreign investors are provided different facilities on a priority basis.
