Punjab launches free deceased transfer service in major cities
By Bilal Haider :
Punjab has launched a government-run service to transport deceased individuals from hospitals to their homes, becoming the first province in Pakistan to introduce such an initiative.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif formally inaugurated the service on Monday, describing it as a step towards supporting families during times of grief.
In its initial phase, the service will operate in Lahore, Multan and Rawalpindi, where bodies will be transported free of charge from government hospitals to residences. Officials said the programme would be expanded to all tehsils across the province by June.
Under the “Deceased Care Service”, each tehsil will be equipped with dedicated ambulances to ensure timely transfers. The chief minister handed over vehicle keys for the initial fleet, reviewed operational arrangements and met rescue staff during the launch.
Ms Sharif instructed personnel to treat bereaved families with compassion, stressing that assisting them was both a humanitarian responsibility and a public service. She also directed staff to offer counselling and emotional support where needed.
She criticised the high fees often charged by private transporters in such situations and ordered that no payments be accepted from families, even if offered voluntarily.
Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique said the initiative aimed to ensure that citizens feel supported during difficult moments. He added that while the service is currently limited to major cities, private ambulances may be incorporated in a later phase to extend coverage.
Director General Rescue Services Rizwan Naseer said the service would be accessible through the 1122 emergency helpline. Trained drivers will be available around the clock at government hospitals, where dedicated service desks will also be set up.
Officials added that the system would also facilitate transfers to hospital morgues when required, with operations monitored through a centralised digital dispatch system to ensure efficiency and transparency.
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