Meet the implementers: rural ambulance transport service in Punjab, Pakistan

In celebration of World Health Day, The WHO-UNFPA Learning by Sharing Portal (LSP) invites you to engage in a discussion with experts and implementers regarding an outsourced transportation system that improves access for pregnant women and sick children in Punjab, Pakistan to safe delivery facilities, aiming to reduce maternal and child morbidity and mortality.

In Pakistan, there are 154 maternal deaths for every 100,000 live births. This elevated maternal mortality rate is driven by socio-economic conditions, challenges in accessing healthcare in rural areas, and a lack of decision-making power, especially for young women.

Approximately 30% of maternal deaths in Pakistan are attributable to the second delay in the ‘Three Delays Model’, which is the delay in accessing a health facility due to lack of transport.

In May 2017, a rural ambulance service for obstetric and neonatal care was introduced in Punjab province, Pakistan. Since its launch, the ambulance service has transferred over three million women from their homes to health facilities, around three and a half million women from primary to secondary or tertiary hospitals, and around 10 000 children for urgent referrals.

It has been estimated that at least half of the 500 000 emergency referrals to secondary and tertiary care hospitals have prevented severe morbidity and maternal mortality.