TNI Bureau: Strengthening emergency healthcare services in Odisha, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi flagged off 150 new 108 ambulances in the first phase at Kalinga Stadium here.

The ambulances are part of a larger plan by the Health and Family Welfare Department to induct 428 new 108 ambulances at a total cost of ₹111 crore. The initiative aims to replace ageing vehicles and improve the speed and reach of emergency medical services across the state.

Official sources said that 419 old ambulances and two vehicles that were completely damaged in accidents will be replaced under the programme. In addition, five Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulances will be deployed at airports and airstrips under the Commerce and Transport Department, while two ALS ambulances will be provided to the Jharsuguda Cardiac Care Hospital.

At present, around 5,000 patients are transported daily to hospitals across Odisha through the 108 ambulance service.

Addressing the media, the Chief Minister said the state government is committed to upgrading emergency ambulance services by replacing old vehicles in a phased manner. He added that more new 108 Emergency Medical Ambulance Service (EMAS) vehicles have been procured to ensure faster response times and better healthcare access.

The remaining new ambulances will be inducted into service soon, and the existing EMAS fleet will be gradually phased out, the Chief Minister said.

The programme was attended by Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Mukesh Mahaling, Ekamra Bhubaneswar MLA Babu Singh, Health Department Commissioner-cum-Secretary Ashwati S, National Health Mission Odisha Mission Director Dr Brunda D, along with senior officials and staff of the Health Department.