Ailing 108 ambulance service in Odisha draws public outcry

Vital 108 ambulance service across Odisha has been facing potential collapse amidst significant operational issues, igniting public frustration. 

As per reports, mechanical malfunctions, coupled with inadequate maintenance, leave many ambulances non-operational, with critical life-saving equipment frequently out of action. This situation is endangering patients' lives, who are often left stranded and in worsening conditions.

Heat worsens patients' distress

Amidst scorching temperatures exceeding 40°C, ambulances have been offering little respite, with broken air conditioning and fans turning rides into distressing experiences for severely ill patients. The service, meant to provide life-saving assistance, has instead become a source of additional suffering.

Widespread failures

In the Chitrakonda area of Malkangiri district, two ambulances designated for free services are barely functional. Relatives of patients are often seeking alternative forms of transportation, as the ambulances fail to provide essential cooling relief or operate essential equipment.

"The patients in the area are facing lots of problems as the AC of the 108 ambulance has malfunctioned. Even the Oxygen cylinder is not in proper shape, and the tyres of the vehicles are in poor condition," rued Debendra Das, a resident of Chitrakonda.

"The AC and fan of the ambulance are not functioning, and as a result, the patients are suffering a lot," said Naresh Tarapdar, the driver of the ambulance.

Rairangpur region in Mayurbhanj district is similarly afflicted, with ambulances across all seven blocks operating without air conditioning, fans, or even proper lighting. Poor tyre conditions further compromise patients' safety.

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"The AC and the fan inside the ambulance are not functioning. We had to face many problems while bringing my father to the hospital. I request the administration to address the issues immediately so that no other patients would have to face such difficulties like me," said Bishnu Patra, an attendant of a patient.

Ignored pleas

Staff of the ambulances have been reportedly expressing growing vexation, with complaints largely overlooked by officials. 

The predicament is not confined to these select districts; rather, it pervades the entirety of Odisha, stirring considerable public concern.

"Though we have complained about the problems in the ambulances to the higher authorities umpteen times, these issues are not being addressed," said Chamburu Soren, a driver of an ambulance.

In response to the complaints, the authorities stated that the problems are being addressed at regular intervals.

"Many patients will be deprived of services if the ambulances are fully blocked for maintenance purposes. We are trying to solve the problems in the ambulances with necessary spare parts in regular intervals," said Pradeep Sahoo, PPP head of EMRI Green Health Services.