SHC seeks replies on plea against high ambulance charges in Karachi

KARACHI: The Sindh High Court (SHC) on Monday asked provincial authorities and several charitable organisations to submit their comments on a petition seeking uniform rules and standard tariff guidelines for private ambulance services operating in Sindh.

The petition was filed by a non-profit organisation on behalf of citizens of Sindh who, it said, had been adversely affected by what it described as excessive charges imposed by certain NGOs and private ambulance operators. The respondents named in the case include the Sindh chief secretary, health secretary, Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), Karachi commissioner, Edhi Foundation, Chhipa Welfare Association, JDC Foundation and various other charities.

According to the petition, ambulance services are an essential public service needed for the timely transport of patients to hospitals during emergencies, including accidents, sudden critical illness and other urgent medical situations.

The petitioner told the court that some private ambulance operators were charging arbitrary and excessive rates ranging from Rs1,500 to Rs2,000 from patients. It further alleged that receipts issued to patients reflected much lower amounts, usually between Rs250 and Rs300, with mala fide intention of evading taxes and regulatory oversight.

The plea argued that, in the absence of a proper regulatory mechanism for private ambulance services and a framework to ensure fair and reasonable charges, operators were able to impose fees without accountability.

Petition seeks regulatory framework

The petitioner asked the court to direct the provincial authorities to formulate uniform rules and standard tariff guidelines for ambulance services, including permissible operational costs.

It also requested that a digital application be developed under the supervision of the government and the FBR for the registration and regulation of all ambulance operators in order to ensure transparency and effective monitoring.

In addition, the petition sought directions for all ambulances to be fitted with a proper distance-based meter or GPS tracking system. It also called for the establishment of a helpline where complaints could be lodged regarding overcharging as well as refusal of service.

Court proceedings

A two-member constitutional bench of the SHC headed by Justice Adnan-ul-Karim Memon heard the matter. After taking up the petition, the bench directed the respondents to file their comments within two weeks.

The case centres on the regulation of private ambulance services in the province and the demand for a standardised fare structure for emergency transport services.