Argus News - Dharmendra Pradhan Facilitates Two Advanced Ambulances to Sambalpur

Sambalpur, Feb 24: Healthcare services in Sambalpur received a significant boost as Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan facilitated two advanced Basic Life Support (BLS) ambulances through his MP LAD fund. The initiative, worth nearly Rs 58.13 lakh, fulfills a long‑standing demand of residents and transport operators in the region, officials said on Tuesday.

One ambulance was formally handed over to the Sambalpur Private Bus Owners’ Association at a ceremony held at Ainthapali bus stand. Former legislator Nauri Nayak presided over the event and handed over the vehicle to the association. The second ambulance is designated for Rairakhol NAC, ensuring wider coverage of emergency medical services in western Odisha.

The move follows a request made by the bus owners’ association during a programme last December, when members highlighted the urgent need for emergency medical support for passengers, bus staff, and local residents. Association president Saroj Kumar Patra and former president Subrata Panda expressed gratitude to the Union Minister, noting that the ambulances would be crucial in providing immediate medical assistance during accidents or emergencies.

Earlier, Minister Pradhan had flagged off the ambulances during his visit to Sambalpur on February 16. His intervention has been widely welcomed as a proactive step in strengthening healthcare infrastructure and transport safety. The vehicles are equipped with modern life support systems, enabling patients to be transported quickly to hospitals during critical situations.

Local leaders and residents said that the addition of these ambulances marks a new chapter in Sambalpur’s public health services, combining transport facilities with emergency medical care. The initiative is expected to significantly improve response times and save lives in emergencies, reinforcing the importance of accessible healthcare in semi‑urban and rural areas.