Lahore: A dignified inauguration ceremony of the Benazir Ambulance Service for Emergencies was held at the Emergency Services Academy Lahore, with Balochistan’s Provincial Minister for Health, Bakht Muhammad Kakar, as the chief guest. The ceremony was attended by Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique, Director General Emergency Services Academy Dr. Rizwan, Balochistan Health Secretary Mujeeb Panzai, DG Rescue 1122 Balochistan Zulfiqar Jatoi, along with senior officials and rescuers.
Addressing the ceremony, Health Minister Bakht Muhammad Kakar expressed his gratitude to Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique, and the Emergency Services Academy Lahore for their support and cooperation. He said that due to their special interest and efforts, rescuers from Balochistan were provided with modern and high-quality training, which would significantly improve emergency services in the province.
He termed the initiative as an excellent example of inter-provincial cooperation, stating that such collaboration would help provide better emergency services to the public.
The minister further stated that the Balochistan government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Ahmed Bugti, is taking effective steps to bring reforms in the health sector. He added that no polio case has been reported in Balochistan during the past 15 months, while the immunization coverage has increased from 38 percent to 51 percent, marking an important achievement.
He also shared that an international-standard trauma center has been completed in Balochistan and will be inaugurated soon. In addition, the Balochistan Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases is also being established to ensure that heart patients do not have to travel to other provinces for treatment.
During the ceremony, the outstanding performance of female trainees from Balochistan was also appreciated. One student secured first position in the training program. The health minister congratulated her and announced a cash reward of Rs. 100,000 each for all the female trainees who participated in the program.
In his concluding remarks, the minister congratulated the trained rescuers and advised them to serve the public with dedication upon returning to their respective areas, utilizing their skills and training to further strengthen emergency services across Balochistan.