In a pioneering public welfare initiative, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has introduced the province’s inaugural official “Dead Body Transfer Service.” This program is designed to provide free and dignified transportation of deceased individuals from government hospitals to their homes, easing the burden on grieving families.
The service has been rolled out initially in Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Multan, with plans to extend coverage to all tehsils across Punjab by June. As part of the first phase, specially equipped ambulances will be stationed at government hospitals to ensure prompt and respectful transfer of bodies without any cost to the families involved.
At the launch event, the Chief Minister personally handed over the keys to the service vehicles and inspected the ambulances tailored for this purpose. She also engaged with Rescue 1122 personnel assigned to operate the service, commending their dedication and urging them to perform their duties with empathy and a strong commitment to public service.
Maryam Nawaz highlighted the importance of supporting families during their moments of loss, criticizing the high fees often charged by private transporters in such sensitive times. She instructed officials to strictly prohibit any charges for this service and emphasized that staff must handle their responsibilities with dignity and compassion.
Provincial Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique described the initiative as a significant advancement in humane governance. He explained that the government’s objective is to offer both emotional and logistical assistance to bereaved families. The service will be managed by Rescue 1122, staffed by trained personnel, available around the clock, and supported by dedicated hospital desks to facilitate coordination.
Officials further revealed that the entire operation will be overseen through a smart dispatch and rescue management system, ensuring timely responses and efficient service delivery throughout the participating hospitals.
