The Government of Punjab has approved the launch of a free dead body transportation service for the first time in the province, aiming to ease the financial and emotional burden on bereaved families.
The decision was taken during a meeting chaired by Maryam Nawaz Sharif. Under the initiative, the government will provide free ambulance services to transport deceased persons from public hospitals to their homes.
Service to Cover All Tehsils
The chief minister directed the concerned departments to submit a detailed implementation plan, ensuring the service is launched in major public hospitals and extended to every tehsil across Punjab.
She instructed that at least one government vehicle should be available in each tehsil to facilitate the transportation of bodies from hospitals to residences.
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Families will be able to avail the service by calling Rescue 1122 or by requesting assistance through hospital service counters.
Smart Monitoring and Inter-City Transfers
To ensure transparency and operational efficiency, the service will be monitored through a smart management system, allowing authorities to track requests and vehicle availability in real time.
The meeting also decided that inter-city transportation of bodies will be provided free of charge, a move expected to significantly benefit families facing long-distance transfers.
Regulation of Private Ambulance Services
In addition, participants agreed in principle to regulate private ambulance services operating in the province. A proposal to fix official rates for private ambulance providers was reviewed to curb overcharging and ensure fair pricing.
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Officials said the initiative reflects the provincial government’s commitment to public welfare, especially during times of distress, and marks a major step toward improving emergency and post-emergency healthcare services in Punjab.
