Odisha’s ‘108-Ambulance' crisis continues as patients suffer

Odisha’s emergency ‘108-Ambulance’ service is in an alarming crisis. From leaky rooftops to broken doors, non-functional lights, and lack of oxygen cylinders, patients in critical need are allegedly suffering like anything.

Also Read: Odisha: Patient dies midway after Ambulance breaks down on way to hospital

Despite mounting complaints, the responsible contract agency has acted ‘slowly’—though new ambulances are promised soon.

According to sources, the ‘108-Ambulance’ service, which is often regarded as a ‘lifeline’ during emergencies, is currently under serious scrutiny in the State. Reports from various regions—including Gunupur, Baliguda, Rourkela, and Rajgangpur—reveal shockingly poor conditions of these life-saving vehicles.

In some ambulance vehicles, rainwater leaks directly onto patients, while others have non-functional lights, broken doors, or bald, puncture-prone tires. In many cases, the oxygen cylinders are missing or empty, leaving critical patients helpless.

Drivers and paramedics report that doors do not open properly, and air-conditioners, fans, and even basic lights are non-operational.

In Baliguda, an ambulance was reportedly operating without an oxygen supply despite transporting patients who urgently needed it. In Gunupur’s Padmapur locality, the tires of the ambulance were so worn out they could burst at any time—and even the spare tire was missing.

In Rourkela, a rope was seen being used to keep the door of the ambulance shut. In Rajgangpur and Kutra community health centers (CHCs), the ambulance vehicle fans and ACs reportedly do not work. The lights are gone, and the door panels are damaged.

Despite repeated media reports and public complaints, Green Health Services, the private agency operating these vehicles, has done little to fix the issues quickly.

The organisation has claimed that repairs are underway and a new fleet of 420 ambulances will be deployed within two months, following the completion of a fresh tender.

However, trust remains low, as affected patients and healthcare workers question how such critical infrastructure was allowed to reach this condition in the first place.

“We are able to provide ambulance services without oxygen. We cancel the requisitions in cases where oxygen is barely required. We need to go to Berhampur for refilling oxygen, hence the things get delayed,” a pharmacist, Raghubir Nayak, stated to OTV.

Reported By: Pawan Tiwari, Rakesh Padhi, Ajit Nayak, Biswaketan Ray