In a decisive step to prioritize public health, the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh has instructed regional administrations to craft a seamless strategy for the unobstructed passage of patient-care ambulances. Despite acknowledging considerable progress already made through existing measures and an established Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for ambulance movement, the Court called for an enhanced framework to streamline these efforts further.
The bench, led by Chief Justice Tashi Rabstan and Justice Puneet Gupta, responded to a public interest litigation (PIL) initiated by the White Globe trust. The trust had sought extensive upgrades to ambulance infrastructure, advocating for adherence to European standards and better coordination between traffic and health departments to guarantee swift and safe patient transport.
The Court referenced measures already in place, like an SOP from the Senior Superintendent of Police, Traffic, Srinagar, dedicated to facilitating ambulance access. Nevertheless, it emphasized the necessity for ongoing collaboration between Chief Secretaries, Directors General of Police, and the health department to ensure lasting and effective solutions across Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh.
Originally filed in 2018, the PIL aimed at overhauling emergency response logistics. The High Court had, in 2023, appointed the Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir to oversee the initiative, resulting in an affidavit submitted earlier this year. The document highlighted significant progress, such as the introduction of the “J&K Emergency Medical Services” through a Public-Private Partnership launched under the National Health Mission in 2020.
Notably, the region now boasts 71 ambulances, split between Advanced Life Support (ALS) and Basic Life Support (BLS) units, equipped with life-saving tools and medication. Accessible via the toll-free number 108, these ambulances are GPS-enabled for real-time tracking and efficiency. Additionally, rigorous monitoring ensures that only vehicles meeting national ambulance standards remain operational, with unfit units promptly removed from service.
Further strengthening emergency readiness, Srinagar’s Traffic Police Office has set up a 24/7 Control Room, offering continuous support for real-time traffic updates to aid ambulance movement. Recognizing these efforts, the High Court officially concluded the PIL, satisfied with the advances but insistent on continual vigilance to keep lifesaving pathways clear and efficient.
