Bhubaneswar, Dec 23: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Tuesday flagged off 150 new ambulances under the Emergency Medical Ambulance Service (EMAS), marking a significant step towards strengthening healthcare delivery in the state.

The launch, held at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, is part of a larger initiative to induct 428 new ambulances at a cost of Rs111 crore. According to officials, the new fleet will replace 419 old ambulances and two that were damaged in accidents.

A release from the Chief Minister’s Office stated that 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 stationed at Jharsuguda Cardiac Care Hospital.

Currently, the 108-ambulance service transports nearly 5,000 patients daily across Odisha. The Chief Minister emphasized that phasing out older vehicles and introducing modern ambulances would make emergency healthcare faster and more efficient. “This initiative will strengthen the 108 Emergency Medical Ambulance Service across the state,” Majhi said.

The remaining ambulances from the new fleet will be inducted in phases, ensuring continuity of service alongside the existing EMAS vehicles.

Health and Family Welfare Minister Mukesh Mahaling, Ekamra Bhubaneswar MLA Babu Singh, Health Secretary Ashwati S, Mission Director of National Health Mission Brunda D, and other senior officials of the Health Department were present at the ceremony.

Officials believe the new fleet will significantly enhance Odisha’s emergency response capacity, particularly in rural and remote areas where timely medical transport is critical. The initiative underscores the government’s commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure and ensuring accessible emergency services for all citizens.