KATHMANDU, Aug 17: Lalitpur Metropolitan City has launched an ambulance service staffed by a medical doctor, aiming to provide immediate medical care during emergencies.
Health and Food Hygiene Minister Nisha Mehta described the service as an exemplary initiative, noting that while many local governments provide conventional ambulance services, having a medical officer, along with paramedics and security personnel, is a significant step forward.
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Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Minister Mehta said the government’s priority is to ensure accessible, quality, and effective healthcare for citizens, and pledged the Ministry of Health's necessary support and coordination to facilitate the service.
Lalitpur Metropolitan City Mayor Chiribabu Maharjan said the idea was inspired by a doctor-equipped ambulance service he observed during a visit to Makati City in the Philippines through CityNet, a network of 174 mayors from the Asia-Pacific region.
According to Maharjan, the proposal was endorsed by the ninth municipal assembly and the necessary budget was allocated. Although the service was initially scheduled to begin on July 17, its launch was delayed to allow time for preparations and the development of operating procedures.
Maharjan acknowledged the challenges involved in operating the service and said the metropolitan city would improve the system through a “learning by doing” approach.
