Bhubaneswar: In a major move to enhance emergency healthcare, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi today flagged off 250 new ambulances in the second phase of the state’s ambulance expansion drive at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar.
The state government has arranged a total of 428 new ambulances to ensure timely medical assistance. The first phase saw 150 ambulances flagged off on December 23, 2025. The entire initiative, costing around Rs 111 crore from state funds, aims to strengthen emergency response and reduce mortality rates by cutting the time patients take to reach hospitals.
Currently, Odisha runs 866 emergency ambulances across the state. In addition, 500 special ambulances under the ‘Janani Express’ scheme cater specifically to pregnant women and sick children, acting as a vital lifeline for residents.
The Chief Minister emphasised that continuous steps are being taken to make ambulance services more efficient and robust. Efforts are also underway to maintain round-the-clock services from all blocks to District Headquarters Hospitals and SCB Medical College & Hospital in Cuttack. Ambulance services will also extend to airstrips like Rourkela and Jeypore under the state’s flight scheme.
Five Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulances are currently stationed at airports across the state, with two more deployed at the Cancer Hospital in Jharsuguda. On average, over 5,000 patients are transported daily to government hospitals via these services.
The launch event was attended by Health & Family Welfare Minister Dr. Mukesh Mahaling, Ekamra Bhubaneswar MLA Babu Singh, Health & Family Welfare Commissioner-cum-Secretary Aswathy S., and National Health Mission Director Dr. Brundha D.
