‘Empty oxygen cylinder’ leads to woman’s death in Jagatsinghpur ambulance; locals thrash owner

A heartbreaking case of negligence was reported in Jagatsinghpur, Odisha, where a woman allegedly died in a private ambulance after its oxygen cylinder was found empty. The incident occurred in the early hours of Monday, around 3:00 AM.

The deceased, Kamala Panda of Brahmanakhanda village under Jagatsinghpur police station, had complained of chest pain. Her husband, Pitambar Panda, rushed her to Jagatsinghpur District Headquarters Hospital (DHH). With no cardiologist or advanced facilities available, doctors referred her to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack.

Pitambar initially called for a 108 government ambulance, but after delays in its arrival, he arranged a private ambulance. Before boarding, he informed the driver that doctors had recommended oxygen support. The driver assured him the vehicle was equipped with oxygen.

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Empty Oxygen Tank Results In Death

However, about 10 kilometers into the journey, Kamala’s condition worsened. When the driver attempted to provide oxygen support, he discovered that the cylinder was empty and there was no technician on board. Kamala tragically died en route.

The incident triggered widespread outrage. Locals vandalized the ambulance and briefly caught the driver, who fled during the chaos. Later, the agitated crowd assaulted the ambulance service owner, Gajendra Panda, forcing him to flee the area as well.

Private Ambulance Services Lure Patients

Locals allege that private ambulance operators exploit patients, luring them through middlemen despite the presence of government-run services. Following recent scrutiny, many such operators have reportedly moved their base away from hospital premises to avoid detection.

CDMO's Response

The Chief District Medical Officer (CDMO) clarified that no direct action could be taken against the service as it was privately operated and not linked to the hospital.

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Police have launched a manhunt for the driver and owner, while locals demand stringent regulation of unlicensed private ambulance services, warning that such negligence poses a grave risk to lives.