In 2008, a beacon of hope was lit in Karachi. The Aman Foundation, fueled by a $100 million commitment from its visionary founder, Arif Naqvi, set out to fill critical gaps in the city’s public healthcare. What emerged wasn’t just an ambulance service. Instead, it sparked a quiet revolution. With highly trained paramedics, state-of-the-art critical care equipment, and a response time that matched global standards, Aman’s service didn’t just respond to emergencies. It redefined what was possible in a city where every second mattered. Thus, it became a powerful example of how private funding, driven by public spirit, could deliver transformative change.
The Mission Evolved, Not EndedBy 2019, despite its remarkable impact, Aman’s ambulance network began to face financial strain. However, rather than let this vital service falter, the Sindh government stepped in. This intervention led to a pivotal partnership with Aman Health Care Services, resulting in the birth of Sindh Rescue and Medical Services (SRMS). This public-private model provided stability and ensured that emergency care continued when it was needed most.
As the partnership matured and the contract neared its end, a more ambitious vision emerged. What if rapid, high-quality emergency care was not limited to Karachi? What if it became a right for every district in Sindh? Consequently, this marked a shift from a targeted service to a province-wide necessity.
A Government-Led, Province-Wide EvolutionBy 2021, the Sindh government fully embraced this expanded vision. Therefore, it launched Sindh Integrated Emergency & Health Services (SIEHS). This wasn’t just an expansion. Rather, it represented the realization of a public mandate. SIEHS built on Aman’s strong foundation. Furthermore, it went beyond simply adding ambulances or setting up call centers. The goal was to embed emergency care into the fabric of every district.
Importantly, this effort wasn’t the government’s alone. Through its Friends of Hope program, SIEHS invited citizens to become part of the mission. Volunteers organized health camps, supported mobile clinics, and offered companionship to the elderly. In this way, the program demonstrated that while systems provide the framework, it is people who save lives.
SIEHS inherited Aman’s infrastructure and workforce. In addition, it dramatically expanded its scope. With this transition came:
From Health Service to Health EcosystemThis transition was not merely about changing uniforms or logos. Instead, it protected a powerful legacy and scaled it to serve millions more. Aman built the initial foundation. SRMS ensured its stability. Now, SIEHS tells the continuing story of how public institutions can rise to meet monumental challenges.
As of June 2025, SIEHS stands as a province-wide emergency response system and a cornerstone of public health in Sindh.
Here’s where the mandate stands today:
In summary, this isn’t just a change in management. Rather, it is proof of what’s possible when government steps up to fulfill a fundamental public need. As a result, emergency healthcare is now woven into the fabric of Sindh, reaching every corner and touching every life. This is the promise of a healthier, safer future for all.
