Islamabad, Feb 1: In a significant step towards strengthening emergency medical services, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, has approved the transformation of its MI-17 helicopter into a dedicated air ambulance. This initiative aims to enhance the province’s healthcare response, particularly in remote and disaster-prone areas.
According to KP Information Advisor Barrister Saif, the helicopter will undergo modifications worth ₹300 million to equip it with the necessary medical infrastructure for critical care transport. The provincial Finance Ministry has been tasked with allocating funds to the aviation department to facilitate this conversion.
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Chief Minister Gandapur’s decision reflects a broader commitment to public welfare, as the helicopter has already been utilized for medical supply deliveries and emergency evacuations in Kurram. The transition to a fully operational air ambulance is expected to significantly reduce response times in medical emergencies, providing swift transportation for critically ill patients to well-equipped hospitals.
The move is being hailed as a major development in KP’s healthcare system, especially for areas with limited access to advanced medical facilities. The air ambulance service will be instrumental in handling medical crises, including natural disasters, road accidents, and urgent patient transfers.
Officials believe this initiative will set a precedent for other provinces to explore similar public service models, ensuring healthcare reaches even the most underserved regions. With the modification process set to commence soon, the KP government aims to operationalize the air ambulance at the earliest, reinforcing its commitment to improving public health infrastructure.
