Odisha govt plans helipad at VIMSAR Burla to airlift critically ill patients

The Odisha government is advancing plans to build a dedicated helipad at Veer Surendra Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (VIMSAR) at Burla in Sambalpur district.

The facility will enable Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS), allowing critically ill patients to be airlifted to top hospitals in the state, in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, as well as to premier institutes in cities like Delhi, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Chennai.

Once operational, VIMSAR will become the first government hospital in Odisha with an on-campus helipad for emergency patient transfers.

Bridging Gaps in Emergency Care

According to The Times of India, VIMSAR is a key referral centre for western Odisha, handling critical cases such as severe burns, accidents, and complex surgeries.

However, it lacks specialised facilities for plastic surgery, advanced cancer care, and certain cardiac treatments. Currently, 4-5 patients monthly are referred to SCB Medical College in Cuttack or private hospitals.

As such, the planned dedicated helipad will eliminate delays in transferring such cases, ensuring timely access to advanced treatments.

Further, patients covered under the Ayushman Bharat scheme will also benefit, as the service will allow free airlifts to empanelled hospitals, said the reports.

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Land Transfer Process Underway

Reports on X also stated that authorities have identified 4.24 acres of land under Plot No. 845 in Burla for the project and have initiated steps to transfer the land from the Revenue Department to the Health and Family Welfare Department.

Project Timeline and Impact

Though announced three years ago, the project gained momentum recently with land demarcation completed. VIMSAR sees a high influx of patients from 10 districts, and the new facility is expected to save lives by connecting rural Odisha to India’s premier healthcare institutions.