Dhaka: The High Court on Wednesday directed country’s all the hospitals to provide emergency medical services to those critically injured in road crashes.

It also issued a rule asking the government to explain as to why emergency medical services will not be provided to the road crash victims at all hospitals.

An HC bench comprising Justice Moyeenul Islam Chowdhury and Md Iqbal Kabir came up with the order and rule after hearing a writ petition.

Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust and Syed Saifuddin Kamal filed the writ petition.

The HC bench also asked the government to submit a report within three months on the progress of ensuring emergency medical services at all hospitals and health centres under the National Road Safety Strategic Action Plan 2014-2016.

The Health, and Road Transport and Bridges secretaries and director general of the Directorate General of Health Services will have to submit the report.

The respondents will have to formulate guidelines as to where the victims will file complaints if they are not given emergency medical services, and create awareness through the media in this regard.

Court sources said a bus helper, Arafat, suffered serious injuries as he slipped down while getting into his vehicle in the city on January 21.

Three nearby hospitals refused to treat him after he was taken there.  Later, he was taken to Kurmitola General Hospital with the help of police where he succumbed to his injuries.