Islamabad, 26 July 2024

By Maryam Noureen Janjua

In a landmark moment for Pakistan, the launch of the Air Ambulance service by the government of Punjab marks a transformative step in the province's healthcare landscape.

This pioneering initiative, the first of its kind in Pakistan, was inaugurated with a historic rescue operation where a wounded woman Haleema Bibi, a resident of Mianwali, was airlifted to Rawalpindi for emergency treatment within the critical 'golden hour'. The event has set a new standard of emergency healthcare in a developing country where the overall health conditions have been critical.

On a scorching summer afternoon in Mianwali, Haleema Bibi's life took a drastic turn. The 56-year-old woman had fallen from a rooftop in Mianwali. The local medical facilities were not equipped to handle such critical cases. Her family's hopes were dwindling as every minute passed, knowing the nearest specialized hospital was hours away by road. In this dire situation, the newly introduced Air Ambulance service emerged as a beacon of hope. Within minutes of receiving the distress call, the air ambulance, equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment and staffed by a team of highly trained medical professionals, was airborne. The journey from Mianwali to Rawalpindi, which would have taken hours by road, was completed in less than an hour.

The swift response and rapid transport were crucial in stabilizing Haleema Bibi’s condition. Upon arrival at the DHQ Rawalpindi, she was immediately taken into surgery. The doctors credited the air ambulance service for saving her life, emphasizing that the golden hour—the critical first hour after a medical emergency—was the decisive factor in her survival.

The healthcare system in Punjab, Pakistan, faces significant challenges. Overburdened public hospitals suffer from inadequate facilities, insufficient staffing, and limited resources, leading to long wait times and subpar patient care. Rural areas are particularly affected, with many communities lacking access to basic medical services.

The successful rescue of Haleema Bibi is a testament to the sweeping health reforms introduced by the Punjab government under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. Since assuming office, Maryam Nawaz has prioritized healthcare, recognizing it as a fundamental right for every citizen. Her administration’s health strategy aims to overhaul the province's healthcare system, ensuring accessibility, affordability, and quality care for all.

However, the government of Punjab still requires efforts to enhance healthcare in the province. This includes increasing funding, improving rural healthcare access, upgrading hospital infrastructure, and ensuring adequate medical supplies and staffing. Comprehensive reforms are essential to address persistent challenges and provide quality care for all residents.

The Air Ambulance service represents a significant leap forward in emergency medical services in Punjab. It addresses the critical need for rapid response and transport in medical emergencies, particularly in remote and underserved areas.

This initiative ensures that patients receive timely and appropriate care, significantly improving survival rates in life-threatening situations.

Recognizing the importance of skilled healthcare professionals, the Punjab government still needs heavy investment in training and capacity building of Medical staff, including doctors, nurses, and paramedics.

Affordability remains a challenge for Maryam Nawaz's health reforms. The provincial government has increased the health budget by 24% but it still needs a gigantic word to meet the international standards.

Various initiatives have been launched to reduce the financial burden on patients. The Punjab Health Card scheme provides free medical treatment to low-income families, covering a wide range of medical conditions. This scheme can be a game-changer, ensuring that financial constraints do not prevent people from accessing necessary healthcare services.

Public health programs have been significantly enhanced to address common health issues and promote preventive care.

Mobile hospitals in Punjab are another innovative healthcare solution bringing medical services to remote and underserved areas. Equipped with essential medical equipment and staffed by healthcare professionals, these mobile units offer diagnostics, treatment, and preventive care, significantly improving access to quality healthcare for rural and marginalized communities.

The impact of these reforms will be evident in various metrics after a year or so. As Haleema Bibi recovers from her ordeal, her story serves as a powerful reminder of the critical importance of timely and accessible healthcare. The Air Ambulance service is not just a technological advancement; it is a lifeline that embodies the government's commitment to saving lives and improving health outcomes. The Air Ambulance service is just a pinch of a salt in the broader health reforms waiting ahead for Maryam Nawaz’s.

Maryam Noureen Janjua is Undergrad student of Political Science in Women University Rawalpindi.

Ms Janjua is a reporter with WE News English

She can be reached at maryamjanjua876@gmail.com