Odisha CM flags off 150 of '108' ambulance services to boost emergency services
Bhubaneswar, December 25
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Tuesday announced the launch of 428 '108'ambulances to strengthen emergency healthcare services across the state, with the first batch of 150 ambulances flagged off on the day.
Speaking to ANI, the Chief Minister said the initiative aims to ensure faster, more efficient emergency response for people in both urban and rural areas.
"A total of 428 '108' ambulances have been launched, out of which the first 150 ambulances have been flagged off today. We are preparing to start the remaining ambulances by the end of January and deploy them across districts," Majhi said. He added that the government conducted a detailed analysis to improve response time and ensure ambulances reach patients at the earliest. "We analysed how the ambulance can be mobilised as soon as possible," he said.
Emphasising the government's commitment to public health, the Chief Minister said, "We are also giving free emergency services to the people."
Earlier on Sunday, CM Mohan Charan Majhi attended the fourth day of the National Level Tribal Festival Parva-2025 and launched 86 development projects worth Rs 545 crore for the Koraput district on the occasion. Since 1996, Parva has been making successful efforts to keep the art, culture, tradition and history of Koraput alive and to promote it.
This festival has awakened social and cultural consciousness and brought many hidden talents to the public, said Chief Minister Majhi. The Chief Minister also launched 86 development projects worth Rs 545 crore for the Koraput district. In this, 16 projects worth Rs 24 crore were inaugurated, and the foundation stones of 70 projects worth Rs 521 crore were laid.
These projects included irrigation, health centres, small industries, urban hostels, bridges, roads, Mission Shakti Bhawan, Forest Protection Committee Building, additional classrooms, etc. The Chief Minister said that all these projects would help lead the development of Koraput.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Good step, but the real test is the implementation. In my district, sometimes the 108 number is busy or the ambulance takes over an hour. Hope this expansion comes with better call management and GPS tracking for faster routes.
Launching ambulances and development projects for Koraput in the same week shows a balanced approach. Tribal areas need this kind of infrastructure push for health and connectivity. Jai Odisha!
Free emergency services is a major commitment. If executed well, this could be a model for other states. The detailed analysis on response times is promising. Fingers crossed for the January rollout.
More ambulances are always welcome, but what about the staff? Are there enough trained paramedics and drivers? The vehicle is useless without a skilled team inside. Hope the government has a plan for that too.
As someone from a village, this news gives me relief. During medical emergencies, we often have to rely on private vehicles. A reliable 108 service can be the difference between life and death. Thank you for focusing on this.
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