KP approves Rs150m for air ambulance project execution

PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has approved the execution of the air ambulance project through the current budget, allocating Rs 150 million for its implementation, sources privy to the development revealed on Friday.

The decision was made during the provincial cabinet meeting held on Friday under the chairmanship of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur.

The cabinet also approved the removal of the air ambulance project from the Annual Development Programme (ADP), sources further said.

The case of converting the provincial government’s Mi-17 helicopter into an air ambulance was presented before the cabinet by the officials of the health department.

After detailed discussion and consultation, the cabinet decided that the project will be removed from the ADP of the health sector and completed through the current budget through the Relief and Administration Department.

Officials informed the cabinet that an initial estimate of Rs 300 million had been prepared to convert the Mi-17 helicopter into an ambulance. However, only Rs 10 million was allocated for the project in the current financial year. Now, with the shift to the current budget, the project will be completed at a reduced cost of Rs 150 million.

Instructions were issued to the Relief, Health, and Finance departments for the project’s completion. Chief Minister Gandapur directed that the Mi-17 helicopter be prioritised for air ambulance services, with the possibility of its use for other purposes in the future.

KP government spokesperson Barrister Saif said confirmed the development, saying that the Mi-17 helicopter will be converted into an air ambulance , while the provincial finance department will release funds for it.

It should be noted that in April 2024, Chief Minister Gandapur announced the launch of an air ambulance service in the province on the lines of the Punjab government. However, despite the passage of nine months, the said project remained limited to files only.