Odisha to Launch Free 109 Ambulance for Deceased

Bhubaneswar: In a significant initiative, the Odisha Government is set to launch the free 109 ambulance service, aimed at transporting deceased individuals from hospitals to their homes or cremation sites. Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling announced the upcoming service, which will operate on similar lines as the existing 108 ambulance service.

The 109 ambulance will be completely free of cost and is expected to reach the required location within 20 to 30 minutes. The initiative aims to ease the difficulties faced by families in arranging transportation for their deceased loved ones.

In the initial phase, the ambulances will be deployed at all District Headquarters Hospitals (DHHs) and Medical Colleges across Odisha. The budget allocation for the project has already been finalized.

Minister Mukesh Mahaling emphasized that the new service will provide dignified transportation for the deceased and relieve families of logistical challenges. The launch of the 109 ambulance service marks a progressive step in Odisha’s healthcare infrastructure.