Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has decided to change emergency ambulance numbers from three to four digits to accommodate tremendous requests of the humanitarian and philanthropic organisations engaged in providing emergency services.
The decision has been taken as part of telecom deregulation policy, which stipulates induction of many telecom service providers, who would need short codes to cater for emergency services, as well as operation and maintenance of telecom services.
As per decision, Edhi ambulance service code has been changed from 115 to 1150. The PTA has asked Edhi Foundation to implement the decision by April 30. The authority will also allocate four digit emergency numbers to other similar organisation.
In recognition of the valuable services being rendered by philanthropic NGOs, the authority has given 90 percent rebate to them on spectrum charges for their land mobile and radio links installed in the aircraft being used by them.
It may be recalled that approximate amount of Edhi foundation rebate comes to Rs 119,250 per annum.
Similarly, no call from land as well as mobile phone to Edhi Ambulance service is charged.