–CM Buzdar reviews performance of Rescue 1122, directs its expansion to far-flung areas
LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar on Wednesday reviewed the performance of Punjab Emergency Service (PES) Rescue 1122 and sought a report to start helicopter ambulance service in the province.
The chief minister presided over a high-level meeting at his office here on Wednesday in which different matters pertaining to PES Rescue 1122 including its performance and further expansion in future were reviewed.
Addressing the meeting, the chief minister observed that timely response of Rescue 1122 during natural calamities and accidents is of vital importance. Rescue 1122 is fulfilling this responsibility in a professional manner and Punjab government is also expanding it further to enhance the scope of the rescue service to far-flung areas.
He said that it has been decided to remove ban on recruitments in the PES because it requires human resource to deal with the emergency situations. He directed the concerned officials to immediately draft and submit a summary in this regard. It has also been decided to enhance the emergency allowance of PES employees so that they could perform their duties with hard work and zeal.
A summary should be put up to the CM’s Office in this regard, he added. He said that Rescue 1122 centres established at the levels of tehsil or sub-tehsil should be functional immediately. PES DG should adopt immediate measures and provide detail of such centres and government will provide all possible support to make these centres functional.
The chief minister also accorded approval to start Rescue Scout Training Programme in colleges, adding that this programme should be started within the next two months.
HELICOPTER SERVICE:
CM Buzdar also directed to submit a detailed programme for starting helicopter ambulance service in the province. He said a plan should be devised by keeping in view every aspect to start the helicopter ambulance service.
The chief minister also called a meeting of Punjab Emergency Council next month, adding that lack of such meetings during the last eight years is deplorable.
“The past government adopted a wrong attitude with the emergency service by not calling the meeting of Punjab Emergency Council,” CM Buzdar said. “Rescue 1122 is dealing with emergency situations and no delay should occur in its performance … Other issues of PES will also be solved on a priority basis and every support will be provided so that Rescue 1122 could deal with accidents and natural calamities.”
He said that the PTI government considers the protection of life and property during calamities and accidents as its fundamental responsibility.
Punjab DG Emergency Service Dr Rizwan Naseer briefed the meeting about the performance of the institution. Advisor on Heath Hanif Pitafi, chief secretary, additional inspector general of police, primary and secondary healthcare secretary, specialised healthcare and medical education secretary and others attended the meeting.