Bhubaneswar, Feb 10: Strengthening the state’s emergency healthcare infrastructure, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Tuesday flagged off 250 new ambulances under the second phase of Odisha’s ambulance expansion programme at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar.
With this addition, the state government has arranged a total of 428 new ambulances to ensure faster and more reliable medical assistance for citizens. Earlier, 150 ambulances were flagged off during the first phase on December 23 last year.
The entire initiative, funded by the state at a cost of approximately ₹111 crore, is aimed at improving emergency response systems and reducing mortality by minimising the time taken to transport patients to hospitals.
At present, Odisha operates 866 emergency ambulances across the state. In addition, 500 specialised ambulances under the ‘Janani Express’ scheme provide dedicated services to pregnant women and sick children, serving as a crucial support system for families, especially in rural areas.
The Chief Minister highlighted that continuous efforts are being made to enhance the efficiency and reliability of ambulance services. Measures are underway to ensure round-the-clock connectivity from all blocks to District Headquarters Hospitals and SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack. Ambulance services will also be extended to airstrips at Rourkela and Jeypore under the state’s flight connectivity scheme.
Currently, five Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulances are stationed at airports across the state, while two more have been deployed at the Cancer Hospital in Jharsuguda. On an average, more than 5,000 patients are transported daily to government healthcare facilities through these ambulance services.
The launch event was attended by Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Mukesh Mahaling, Ekamra Bhubaneswar MLA Babu Singh, Health and Family Welfare Commissioner-cum-Secretary Aswathy S., and National Health Mission Director Dr. Brundha D.
