Odisha CM Flags Off 250 New Ambulances to Boost Healthcare Services
Second phase of rollout aims to improve emergency response and reduce mortality
Bhubaneswar, Feb 11 : Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Tuesday flagged off 250 ambulances at Kalinga Stadium as part of the second phase of the state government’s effort to strengthen emergency healthcare delivery and ensure faster access to hospitals.
The new fleet forms part of a broader plan to deploy 428 ambulances statewide. The first phase saw 150 vehicles launched on December 23 last year. The state has invested approximately ₹111 crore from its own resources for the procurement.
Focus on Faster Patient Transport
Addressing the event, Majhi emphasised that the government’s priority is to move patients to medical facilities in the shortest possible time to save lives and lower mortality rates. He said ongoing measures are aimed at making ambulance services more efficient, reliable, and accessible to all sections of society.
The chief minister also announced plans to establish seamless connectivity from every block to district headquarters hospitals, and from district hospitals to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack.
Expansion to Air Evacuation Network
Under the Biman Yojana, ambulance services will be extended to airstrips in locations such as Rourkela and Jeypore to support emergency air evacuations and critical transfers.
Currently, Odisha operates 866 emergency ambulances across districts. Additionally, 500 specialised vehicles under the Janani Express scheme serve pregnant women and sick infants, forming a crucial support system for residents, particularly in rural and remote regions.
Advanced Life Support Fleet Strengthened
Majhi noted that five advanced life support (ALS) ambulances have been stationed at airports, while two are dedicated to the Jharsuguda cancer hospital. On average, the state’s ambulance network transports over 5,000 patients to government hospitals each day.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Mukesh Mahaling, Ekamra MLA Babu Singh, Health Secretary Aswathy S, and National Health Mission Director Brunda D were among the officials present at the launch.
