K-P prepares to launch first air ambulance, test flight completed

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) government has completed a successful test flight for its first-ever air ambulance service, using an MI-17 helicopter that will be converted to offer emergency medical services.

Health Advisor, Ihtisham Ali, took part in the test flight and was briefed on the Russia-made military transport helicopter’s conversion into an air ambulance, reported.

He confirmed that the provincial government is adapting the MI-17 helicopter for the public service of emergency medical evacuations, with necessary medical equipment and modifications being installed to meet international standards.

Speaking to the media, Ihtisham Ali emphasised that the government, under the special directive of Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, is using the MI-17 helicopter for the first time to serve the people’s health needs.

“This helicopter has already been instrumental in delivering medicines and evacuating patients to safer locations during emergencies, saving thousands of lives,” Ali added.

The air ambulance service will not incur additional charges for the public, as the MI-17 helicopter is owned by the provincial government. It is set to become the country’s first state-of-the-art air ambulance system, offering high-quality, efficient services for medical emergencies across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Moreover, the weather in K-P remains cold and dry with temperatures dropping as low as -3°C in some areas, according to the Meteorological Department.

The weather forecast indicates that the majority of the province will experience cold and dry conditions in the coming days, with partial cloud cover expected in areas like Chitral, Dir, and Swat, reported.

These areas may also witness light fog during the mornings.

The provincial capital, Peshawar, recorded a temperature of 6°C, while the lowest temperature was recorded in Parachinar, where it dropped to -3°C.

Similarly, Malam Jabba and Kalam witnessed temperatures of -2°C, and Chitral Drosh experienced zero degrees Celsius.

Other areas in the province also reported below-freezing temperatures, with Lower Chitral at 2°C, Dir at 4°C, and Dera Ismail Khan at 9°C.