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Odisha Flags Off 250 New Ambulances to Cut Mortality with Faster Hospital Access

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has flagged off 250 new ambulances under the 108 Emergency Medical Ambulance Service to strengthen emergency healthcare. This launch is part of a larger procurement of 428 vehicles, fully funded by the state government at a cost of approximately Rs 111 crore. The expanded fleet, which now includes over 860 ambulances, aims to reduce patient mortality by ensuring quicker transport to hospitals. The government is also extending services to airstrips and specialized hospitals to improve statewide medical access.

Key Points: Odisha CM Majhi Launches 250 Ambulances to Strengthen Emergency Care

  • 250 new ambulances flagged off
  • Part of 428-vehicle procurement plan
  • Aims to reduce mortality with faster access
  • Fleet now totals 866 ambulances statewide
  • Services extended to airstrips and cancer hospital
2 min read

Odisha CM emphasises quick hospital access to lower mortality, flags off 250 new ambulances

Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi flags off 250 new 108 ambulances to reduce mortality by improving emergency response times and healthcare access.

"ensure patients reach hospitals in the shortest possible time - Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi"

Bhubaneswar, Feb 10

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Tuesday said the state government aims to reduce the mortality rate by ensuring patients reach hospitals in the shortest possible time, and continuous efforts are underway to strengthen ambulance services across the state to achieve this goal.

To strengthen the emergency healthcare services in Odisha, CM Majhi on Tuesday flagged off 250 new ambulances under the 108 Emergency Medical Ambulance Service (EMAS) at a programme held at Kalinga Stadium here.

To ensure that residents receive emergency medical care promptly, the state government has arranged 428 new ambulances.

In the first phase, 150 ambulances were inaugurated on December 23, 2025, while 250 new ambulances were launched on Tuesday.

The ambulances have been procured under the 108-EMAS for Rs 25.77 lakh per vehicle, including branding and registration. The overall project cost for procuring 428 ambulances stands at approximately Rs 111 crore, fully funded by the state government.

The 108 Emergency Medical Ambulance Service, launched in Odisha on March 5, 2013, is currently operating a fleet of 866 ambulances across all 30 districts of the State.

The existing fleet includes 449 Basic Life Support (BLS) ambulances, 411 Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulances, and six boat ambulances, providing free emergency medical services to citizens.

An additional 500 dedicated ambulances, 'Janani Express', are being provided specifically for pregnant women and sick children. These ambulance services serve as a lifeline for the people of the state.

CM Majhi also noted that steps have been taken to ensure uninterrupted ambulance services from all blocks to District headquarters Hospitals (DHH) and from DHHs to SCB Medical and Hospital in Cuttack.

On the occasion, the Chief Minister also announced that ambulance services will also be made available at the Airstrips, such as Rourkela and Jaipur, through the B-MAAN scheme. It is informed that currently, five Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulances have been deployed at various airports across the state, and two ALS ambulances have been stationed at the Cancer Hospital in Jharsuguda.

At present, more than 5,000 patients are transported daily to government health facilities through the 108-EMAS and Janani Express services.

The phased induction of new ambulances aims to replace ageing vehicles, improve response time, and further strengthen the State's emergency healthcare delivery system.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh Q
Good step, but Rs 25 lakh per ambulance seems very high. The government must ensure transparency in procurement. We need these services, but also need to know our taxpayer money is being used wisely.
A
Ananya R
The 'Janani Express' for pregnant women is such a vital service. Maternal healthcare in remote areas needs this support. Hope they ensure these ambulances are always available and not stuck due to paperwork or lack of staff.
V
Vikram M
Strengthening the 108 service is a welcome move. However, the real test is the response time during actual emergencies, especially at night. The government should publish monthly performance data for public scrutiny.
D
David E
Investing over 111 crores in ambulance services shows serious commitment to public health infrastructure. The integration with airstrips is smart thinking for critical long-distance transfers. Other states should take note.
S
Sneha F
Boat ambulances! That's innovative thinking for the coastal and riverine areas of Odisha. It shows the planning is considering the state's unique geography. Hope the service is reliable when the monsoon hits.

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