Minister of State for Health and Medical Education, Housing & Urban Development, and Social Welfare, Asiea Naqash today, convened a meeting of officers to review the procurement and operationalization of critical Ambulance services in J&K.In order to meet the medical emergency services, the Minister was informed that Health department is in process of procuring 21 critical ambulances at cost of over Rs 5 crore. During the meeting, it was informed that department has already received three prototype ambulances to meet the pre-roll out qualifications and specifications. In this regard, a committee of experts has been constituted to ensure Quality Assurance (QA). The committee shall submit its report within a week’s time. Ms. Asiea stressed that trained staff including drivers; paramedics should be employed to run the critical ambulance service. Highlighting the significance of procurement of ambulances, the Minister said aim of the service was to provide timely health care during emergencies like accidents, with the focus on maternal and child health.The Minister was assured that only trained professionals will run the critical service and the patient will be transported to the nearest healthcare facility within 15-20 minutes of an emergency. It was also informed this service would enhance the optimal delivery of health care to patients calling for help, including stabilisation of the patient before transport, emergency admission, and preparation at the hospital to receive a critical patient. The ambulances will be fitted with global positioning system (GPS). Apart from procuring critical ambulances, the health department has already procured 136 ambulances at cost of over 14 crore to augment the existing healthcare system.The meeting was attended by Commissioner Secretary Health, Director Health Services Jammu/Kashmir, Director NHM, Director State Garages, Managing Director J&K Medical Supplies Corporation besides other officials.