Punjab introduces a free and dignified hospital-to-home body transfer service aimed at supporting grieving families with timely, respectful, and coordinated emergency transport.
Punjab has launched its first government-run “dead body transfer service,” a free-of-cost initiative designed to ensure dignified transportation of deceased individuals from government hospitals to their homes, officials said on Monday.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif inaugurated the service, which initially operates in Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Multan, with plans for expansion to all tehsils of the province by June. Dedicated ambulances have been deployed at major government hospitals to provide immediate response and eliminate the need for private transport arrangements during bereavement.
At the launch ceremony, the chief minister handed over vehicle keys and inspected specially equipped ambulances, directing Rescue 1122 personnel to perform duties with empathy, professionalism, and respect for grieving families. She emphasized that no fees or charges will be collected from citizens under any circumstances.
Officials said the initiative aims to address complaints of excessive fares charged by private transporters in sensitive situations. The government hopes the service will reduce financial stress on families while ensuring timely and respectful handling of deceased individuals.
Provincial Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique described the program as a milestone in humane governance, adding that trained staff, 24/7 availability, and dedicated hospital coordination desks will support operations.
The service will be integrated with a smart dispatch and rescue management system to monitor response times and improve efficiency across participating hospitals, officials added.
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