Odisha Enhances Emergency Medical Services with 349 New Ambulances

Bhubaneswar: In a significant boost to emergency medical services in Odisha, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik inaugurated 349 new ambulance vehicles, enhancing the state’s Emergency Medical Ambulance Service (EMAS). This addition brings the total number of 108 ambulance vehicles to 1366, aiming to expedite response times and reduce the arrival time from 30 to 20 minutes.

The ceremonial event took place at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, where Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik officially introduced the new vehicles. The expansion is expected to benefit over 4,000 patients daily, ensuring quicker transportation to nearby government hospitals for prompt treatment.

Of the 349 new vehicles, 279 will join the 108-ambulance fleet, while the remaining 70 will be allocated to government-run Medical College and Hospitals (MCHs) and District Headquarters Hospitals (DHHs). This distribution includes 30 Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulances and 40 Basic Life Support (BLS) ambulances, contributing to comprehensive emergency medical care.

The total investment for these new 108 ambulances amounts to approximately Rs 148.45 crore. The Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) emphasized the commitment to saving lives, recognizing the invaluable impact of this expansion on emergency medical services across the state. The move is poised to improve accessibility, efficiency, and ultimately, the well-being of the people of Odisha.