All districts to have motorbike ambulance service.

LAHORE -- Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar has approved the launch of motorbike ambulance service in all the districts of the province. This decision was made at the 20th meeting of Punjab Emergency Council while procurement of new ambulances was approved.

Principle approval of granting special stipends to rescuers during training at Emergency Services Academy, was also given. Appointment of Dr Rizwan Naseer as DG Punjab Emergency Services Academy was approved and till the appointment of the new DG, an additional charge will remain with Dr Rizwan.

The meeting reviewed proposals of providing financial aid and insurance of rescuers. Approving financial aid to the rescuers, the matter was linked with the consent of finance and regulations departments. A special committee constituted under Law Minister Raja Basharat will submit recommendations in this regard.

Usman Buzdar said the implementation of safety code in the construction of high-rises should be ensured, SOPs should be devised and the purchase of ambulances and other equipment be done at the earliest. The meeting reviewed starting community safety programme for students on the pattern of NCC and it was also decided to hold the meeting of Punjab Emergency Council every month.

Rs3.30b being spent to maintain jails

Also, CM Buzdar presided over 27th meeting of Punjab Safe Cities Authority at his office in which decision was made to launch Punjab Safe City Project in Rawalpindi, Dera Ghazi Khan and Taunsa.

These projects would be launched under the annual development programme, instead of public-private partnership mode.

The meeting decided to link Lahore Ring Road with the project for the installation of CCTV cameras while it okayed release of funds for dealing with operational matters, business model for revenue generation and other such issues.

The CM reiterated his government's resolve to ensure public safety, saying: 'The government will make Punjab a safe province with the help of latest technology.'

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