Punjab launches free deceased transfer service in provincial first

LAHORE: Punjab has launched a government-run deceased transfer service for the first time in the province, with Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif inaugurating the initiative on Monday.

Under the “Deceased Care Service,” bodies will be transported free of charge from government hospitals to homes during the initial phase in Lahore, Multan and Rawalpindi. According to an official handout, the service will gradually expand to all tehsils across Punjab by June.

Each tehsil will be equipped with dedicated ambulances to ensure timely transfers. The chief minister formally handed over vehicle keys for the three cities, inspected the fleet and interacted with rescue personnel.

Maryam Nawaz directed staff to serve with compassion, stressing that assisting bereaved families is both a humanitarian responsibility and a vital public service. She also instructed personnel to offer counselling and emotional support to families in cases of patient deaths.

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Highlighting existing challenges, she noted that private transporters often charge excessive fares during such difficult times and strictly directed rescue workers not to accept any payment, even if offered voluntarily.

Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique termed the initiative a significant step towards supporting citizens in moments of grief. He said the service would initially operate within city limits in the three major cities, with plans to involve private ambulances in the next phase for wider coverage.

Director General Rescue Services Rizwan Naseer said the service can be accessed by calling 1122. He added that trained drivers will be available round the clock at government hospitals, where dedicated facilitation desks will also be set up.

The service will also assist in transporting bodies to morgues when required, while operations will be monitored through a smart rescue management and dispatch system to ensure efficiency and transparency.