‘People Air Ambulance’ kicks off in Balochistan

QUETTA:

For the first time in Balochistan’s history, 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 breakthrough in emergency healthcare, 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 the air ambulance was now fully ready for service and would soon be formally launched for the public. He said the initiative was designed to ensure that patients from far-flung areas could be shifted quickly to major hospitals in Quetta and other cities during emergencies.

“For decades, many families in remote areas struggled to access timely medical care because of difficult terrain and lack of fast 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 needed during patient transfer. Qualified doctors and trained medical technicians will remain on board to provide immediate medical care while the patient is being transported.

Officials believe the service could significantly improve emergency response times across Balochistan, where patients often endure hours of travel before reaching specialised healthcare facilities.

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

CM Bugti described the Peoples Air Ambulance as more than just a transportation project, calling it a humanitarian initiative aimed at making emergency healthcare accessible to ordinary citizens.

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