The High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh is looking for a way to ensure smooth movement of ambulances in the Union Territories.
The High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh has instructed the Chief Secretaries and DGPs of both Union Territories to create a system, in collaboration with the Health Department, to ensure smooth movement of ambulances. This decision came after a Public Interest Litigation was filed by the NGO White Globe, which requested a formal procedure for the easy transport of patient care ambulances, especially during emergencies. The NGO also urged the enforcement of traffic guidelines from the Traffic Police Department.
A Division Bench, led by Chief Justice Tashi Rabstan and Justice Puneet Gupta, noted that many departments have already addressed the concerns raised in the litigation. They concluded that there is no need to keep the case open and have resolved it by directing the Chief Secretaries and DGPs to work with the Health Department to establish a mechanism for the unhindered movement of ambulances, considering the orders from the Senior Superintendent of Police, Traffic, City Srinagar.
Last year, the Court appointed the Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir as the Nodal Officer. He was instructed to submit a detailed affidavit using information from various departments to ensure a unified response. In the affidavit that was later submitted, it was mentioned that, based on the Mission Director’s report, the National Health Mission in J&K started the J&K Emergency Medical Services (JKEMS) through a Public Private Partnership (PPP) with BVG India Pvt. Ltd. since March 24, 2020. The affidavit also included a summary of the services offered by the J&K Emergency Services.
The Court noted that old ambulances that are no longer useful have been removed from the Active Ambulance Fleet, and many of these vehicles are already up for auction. The affidavit mentioned that the Motor Vehicles Department only issues or renews fitness certificates for ambulances after confirming they meet the AIR-125 (National Ambulance Code). Ambulances that do not comply with this code are not granted fitness. To ensure smooth movement of ambulances, information about emergency cases and inter-district referrals is shared with the Traffic Department. Additionally, the Srinagar Traffic Police Office has set up a dedicated 24/7 Control Room for citizens to receive real-time traffic assistance. The Public Interest Litigation was therefore closed.
Cause Title: White Globe vs State of Jammu & Kashmir
Appearance:
Respondent: Mohsin S. Qadiri, Sr. AAG along with Maha Majeed, Assisting Counsel, Illyas Nazir Laway, GA.
