LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has approved the launch of a free ambulance service for transporting deceased persons from public hospitals to their homes, marking the first such initiative in the province. The decision was taken during a special meeting chaired by the chief minister to review arrangements for providing dignified and cost-free transportation facilities to bereaved families, here on Monday. She directed the authorities to present a comprehensive plan for deploying dedicated government vehicles at major public hospitals and ensuring availability of the service in every tehsil across Punjab. During the meeting, it was agreed in principle to regulate private ambulance services as well. Proposals to introduce standardized rates for private operators were also reviewed to prevent overcharging and exploitation of grieving families. Secretary Emergency Services Dr Rizwan Naseer briefed the participants that at least one vehicle would be stationed in each tehsil to facilitate the transfer of deceased persons from hospitals to their residences. APP
