In an effort to enhance emergency medical transportation, the Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh High Court has directed the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh to establish a system that facilitates seamless ambulance movement throughout both regions.

While concluding a Public Interest Litigation (PIL), a bench led by Chief Justice Tashi Rabstan and Justice Puneet Gupta emphasized the essential requirement for swift medical response systems during public health emergencies.

The Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed by White Globe, a registered trust, through its chairman, Shoaib Iqbal Qureshi. It sought a writ of mandamus compelling the state to implement a comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to facilitate the seamless movement of ambulances, ensuring the timely transport of patients to hospitals without unnecessary delays. The trust underscored the critical need for efficient ambulance passage, particularly in congested urban areas where traffic congestion can significantly hinder response times.

To address the concerns raised in the petition effectively, the Court, in a prior order, appointed the Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir as the Nodal Officer. The officer was tasked with compiling a comprehensive affidavit that consolidates input from various departments, aiming to present a unified response to the issues identified.

Upon reviewing the affidavit submitted on February 22, 2024, the bench observed the comprehensive contributions from various departments, including the National Health Mission (NHM) J&K, the Directorate of Health Services, and the Regional Transport Office, Kashmir. These departments detailed key initiatives under the Jammu & Kashmir Emergency Medical Services (JKEMS) program, which has been in operation in partnership with BVG India Pvt. Ltd. since March 2020.

The court noted that the Jammu & Kashmir Emergency Medical Services (JKEMS) currently operates a fleet of GPS-enabled ambulances, comprising 71 Advanced Life Support (ALS) vehicles and additional Basic Life Support (BLS) units. These ambulances can be accessed through a toll-free 108 service, with response times aimed at reaching patients within 20 minutes in urban areas and 30 minutes in rural regions, thereby improving the fleet's reach and operational efficiency.

Additionally, the affidavit indicated that outdated ambulances deemed unfit for service had been retired and auctioned off, ensuring that the active fleet complies with the National Ambulance Code. It also highlighted a collaboration with the Traffic Department, which facilitates the communication of emergency movement information to ensure smoother passage for ambulances. Furthermore, a 24/7 control room in Srinagar has been established to provide real-time traffic assistance for emergency vehicles.

After a comprehensive review of the Nodal Officer's affidavit, the court recognized the significant efforts made by various departments to tackle the concerns outlined in the PIL. In particular, the court noted,

“The petitioner has placed on record a copy of the order issued by the Sr. Superintendent of Police, Traffic, City Srinagar, in November, 2015, under the titled 'Standing Operating Procedure for free passage to ambulances' in order to ensure free movement of ambulances in City Srinagar.”

Recognizing the progress made, the Court found no need to prolong the case. “After going through the statements made in the affidavit (supra) by the Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, we are of the opinion that most of the departments have already taken note of the grievances put forth before this Court in the present Public Interest Litigation and have taken appropriate actions to redress the same,” the Court noted.

In directing the Chief Secretaries and Directors General of Police (DGPs) of both Union Territories, in collaboration with the Health Departments, to develop a standardized mechanism for ensuring uninterrupted ambulance movement across Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, the court concluded the PIL by remarking,

“Accordingly, there is no need to keep the present petition pending and the same is disposed off”

Case Title: White Globe Vs State of J&KA