HC seeks mechanism to ensure hassle-free movement of ambulances in J&K, Ladakh

Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh: In a move to enhance emergency medical transportation, the Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh High Court has directed the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh to establish a mechanism ensuring smooth movement of ambulances across both regions.

The directive comes as Chief Justice Tashi Rabstan and Justice Puneet Gupta were closing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that highlighted the pressing need for rapid medical response systems during public health emergencies.

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In a bid to ensure a cohesive response to the petition's concerns, the Court, in its previous order, had appointed the Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir as the Nodal Officer. The court directed the Nodal Officer to compile a comprehensive affidavit, consolidating inputs from various departments, to present a unified stance on the issues raised.

While reviewing the affidavit filed on February 22, 2024, the court observed the detailed contributions from various departments, including the National Health Mission (NHM) J&K, the Directorate of Health Services, and the Regional Transport Office, Kashmir. These contributions outlined key initiatives under the Jammu & Kashmir Emergency Medical Services (JKEMS) program, which has been implemented in collaboration with BVG India Pvt. Ltd. since March 2020.

The court recognized the progress made under JKEMS which currently operates a fleet of GPS-enabled ambulances, including 71 Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulances and additional Basic Life Support (BLS) vehicles. These vehicles can be accessed through a 108 toll-free service and the response times are designed to be within 20 minutes in urban areas and 30 minutes in rural zones, enhancing the fleet's reach and efficiency.

Additionally, the affidavit reported that outdated ambulances, no longer fit for service, had been retired and auctioned off, ensuring that the active fleet complied with the National Ambulance Code. It also highlights the collaboration with the Traffic Department, where emergency movement information is communicated to facilitate smoother passage for the ambulance services. Furthermore, a 24/7 control room in Srinagar has been established to provide real-time traffic assistance for emergency vehicles.

After thoroughly reviewing the Nodal Officer's affidavit, the court acknowledged the substantial efforts already undertaken by various departments to address the issues raised in the PIL.

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The news report also mentioned that “After going through the statements made in the affidavit (supra) by the Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, we are of the opinion that most of the departments have already taken note of the grievances put forth before this Court in the present Public Interest Litigation and have taken appropriate actions to redress the same,” the Court noted.

The Chief Secretaries and DGPs of both UTs, in coordination with the Health Departments, were directed by the court to devise a standardized mechanism ensuring uninterrupted ambulance movement across Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. The court closed the PIL remarking, “Accordingly, there is no need to keep the present petition pending and the same is disposed of.”