In a significant move to bolster emergency medical response, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi inaugurated a fleet of 150 new ambulances in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday. This marks the first phase of a major upgrade to the state's 108 Emergency Medical Ambulance Service (EMAS), aimed at providing faster and more reliable care to citizens.
Massive Fleet Overhaul with Rs 111 Crore Investment
The state's Health and Family Welfare Department has procured a total of 428 new ambulances at a cost of Rs 111 crore. This large-scale procurement will see the replacement of 419 old vehicles and two ambulances that were damaged in accidents. Chief Minister Majhi emphasized the government's commitment to public welfare, stating that the phased replacement of the aging fleet is a top priority.
"We are committed to the welfare of our people. To further improve ambulance services, the old vehicles are being replaced in phases," Majhi said at the launch event. He added that the remaining ambulances would be deployed soon, completing the overhaul of the existing EMAS network.
Enhanced Services with Advanced Life Support Units
Beyond the standard ambulances, the upgrade includes specialized vehicles for critical care. Five Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulances will be allocated to serve airports and airstrips under the Commerce and Transport Department. Additionally, two ALS ambulances will be permanently stationed at the Jharsuguda Cardiac Care Hospital, ensuring rapid response for heart-related emergencies.
Officials present at the event, including Health and Family Welfare Minister Mukesh Mahaling and Health Commissioner-cum-Secretary Aswathy S, highlighted that the modernized fleet is expected to drastically reduce emergency response times. This improvement is anticipated to have a profound impact on patient outcomes, particularly in rural and remote areas where access to immediate medical attention is crucial.
Addressing Growing Demand for Emergency Transport
The upgrade comes at a critical time, as the 108 ambulance network currently transports around 5,000 patients daily to hospitals across Odisha. There is a growing public demand for more efficient emergency services, a point underscored by road safety activist Saswat Jena.
"There has been a surge in road accidents in the state in recent years. While ensuring the safety of citizens on the roads through different means, the government should also deploy more ambulances for emergency services," Jena remarked, welcoming the government's initiative.
Chief Minister Majhi concluded that this strategic investment is a decisive step toward expediting healthcare delivery and strengthening the state's overall emergency response framework, ultimately saving more lives.
