No ambulance, patient pushed on stretcher through streets in Odisha's Sambalpur

A disturbing incident from the Kuchinda Sub-Divisional Hospital in Odisha’s Sambalpur district has exposed glaring gaps in emergency medical transport facilities, triggering widespread public outrage.

In a shocking scene, a patient was seen being pushed on a stretcher along the town’s main road by his relatives after no ambulance or other vehicle was reportedly available to transport him. The incident, which was captured on video, soon went viral on social media, drawing sharp criticism from netizens and raising serious concerns over the state of healthcare services.

Following the circulation of the video, the State Health Minister directed the concerned authorities to initiate appropriate action into the matter.

According to reports, the patient has been identified as Ganesh Suryalia of Bagadihi village, who sustained a serious injury to his leg. He was initially brought to the Kuchinda Sub-Divisional Hospital for treatment. After a preliminary medical examination, doctors referred him to VIMSAR, Burla, for advanced care.

However, instead of being transported to Burla, the patient’s relatives allegedly fell prey to the advice of some middlemen operating in and around the hospital premises. Acting on their suggestions, the relatives reportedly pushed the patient on a stretcher through the streets and admitted him to a nearby private hospital.

Also Read: No ambulance access; Pregnant women carried on cot and tractor in Odisha villages

The visuals of relatives struggling to move the injured patient in public view sparked strong reactions online, with many questioning the availability of ambulance services at government hospitals and the unchecked presence of middlemen.

Taking cognisance of the incident, the Sub-Divisional Medical Officer (SDMO) said that a detailed inquiry would be conducted and assured that appropriate action would be taken based on the findings of the investigation.