Legal Awareness Trust (LAT) has officially filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) before the Honourable High Court of Sindh concerning the issue of excessive and unregulated ambulance charges across the province.
This petition has been initiated in the larger public interest to address a growing concern affecting citizens, particularly during emergency situations where timely medical transportation is critical. It has been observed that certain private ambulance operators and organisations/NGOs are charging exorbitant and arbitrary fees, regardless of getting donations. Such practices not only exploit vulnerable patients but also raise serious concerns regarding transparency, legality, and tax compliance.
Furthermore, it has also been highlighted that many ambulances lack proper and essential medical equipment when they are called during emergencies. This raises serious concerns regarding patient safety and the quality of emergency response. In the absence of proper standards and monitoring, such deficiencies can put lives at risk, making it imperative to establish strict checks and balances for all ambulance service providers.
Through this PIL, LAT has emphasized that ambulance services are a fundamental component of the right to life under Article 9 of the Constitution, and any barriers be it financial or otherwise as well as lack of proper medical facilities within ambulances must be addressed urgently.
This initiative reflects LAT’s continued commitment to protecting fundamental rights and ensuring that essential services remain accessible, transparent, safe, and fair for all segments of society.
