Despite tall claims being made by Odisha government over road connectivity and boosting access to healthcare in rural areas, incidents of pregnant women and patients being carried on cot and in slings still continue to surface. In a recent instance, an expectant mother had to be carried in a sling due to lack of motorable roads in Anubirida village of Malkangiri district. According to reports, family members of Abalama Ingi contacted ambulance services after she developed labour pain. However, the ambulance couldn’t reach their home and was stationed some 4kms away. Finding no other option, family members with the help of some villagers carried Abalama in a sling for 4km to the ambulance. Later, Abalama was rushed to Chitrakonda Hospital where she delivered a baby boy.