Sindh has taken emergency care onto the water with the launch of the province’s first Boat Ambulance by SIEHS-1122 at Keenjhar Lake, Thatta, aimed at improving response for communities living around lakes, islands and riverine stretches where road access can be slow, difficult, or disrupted during certain seasons.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by dignitaries from the provincial government and district administration, along with senior officials and members of the media, who termed the initiative a practical response to the challenges of reaching water-bound settlements in time-sensitive emergencies.
Brig. Tarique Quadir Lakhiar, Chief Executive Officer – SIEHS 1122, said the service has been introduced to ensure that geography does not become a barrier to timely medical assistance.
“Residents in water-bound regions often face delays due to limited road connectivity,” he said. “This Boat Ambulance bridges that gap, ensuring medical intervention can reach people quickly, regardless of terrain.”
Officials said the Boat Ambulance is a fully equipped on-water emergency response unit, staffed by trained Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) and supported by communication systems and essential medical supplies. The vessel also carries searchlights, sonar technology, flotation and rescue gear, enabling safe operations and patient transport across water routes while initial care is administered during transit.
The service adds a new dimension to the emergency response network and joins a fleet of over 600 response vehicles, strengthening overall capacity and widening coverage across diverse landscapes—urban congestion, rural villages, and now riverine areas.
The Boat Ambulance has been integrated with the 1122 emergency helpline for coordinated dispatch and streamlined response.
