Bhubaneswar, 23 December (H.S.) : In a major boost to Odisha’s emergency healthcare services, the state government on Tuesday inducted 428 new ‘108’ ambulances at a total cost of Rs 111 crore. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi flagged off 150 ambulances in the first phase at a ceremony held at Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar, marking a significant upgrade of the state’s emergency medical response system.
The new fleet, procured by the Health and Family Welfare Department, will replace 419 old ambulances currently in service, along with two vehicles that were completely damaged in road accidents, in a phased manner. The initiative also includes five Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulances for airport and airstrip services under the Commerce and Transport Department, and two ALS ambulances for the Jharsuguda Cardiac Care Hospital.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said the government is committed to making emergency ambulance services more efficient and responsive by systematically replacing outdated vehicles with modern, fully equipped ambulances. He noted that around 5,000 patients are transported daily across the state through the 108 ambulance service, and the induction of new vehicles will further strengthen and streamline operations.
Majhi said that while 150 ambulances have been dedicated to the public in the first phase, the remaining vehicles will be deployed soon. He added that the complete replacement of the existing Emergency Medical Ambulance Service (EMAS) fleet would significantly enhance Odisha’s emergency healthcare preparedness and response capability.
The event was attended by Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Mukesh Mahaling, Ekambra Bhubaneswar MLA Babu Singh, Health Commissioner-cum-Secretary Ashwathi S, and others.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda
