A 58-year-old woman from Brahmanakhanda village under Aula panchayat in Jagatsinghpur district died in a private ambulance allegedly due to the absence of oxygen support, sparking outrage among locals.
The deceased, identified as Kamala Panda, had initially been admitted to the district headquarters hospital after complaining of chest pain. As her condition worsened, she was referred to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack. Her family arranged for a private ambulance to transport her, but during the journey, Kamala’s health deteriorated rapidly.
According to reports, the ambulance lacked essential life-saving equipment, including an oxygen cylinder. Kamala succumbed before reaching the hospital. Following her death, angry villagers vandalized the ambulance, blaming the operator for negligence. The vehicle was later detained at Jagatsinghpur police station.
Family members have filed a formal complaint, alleging that the lack of basic medical support in the ambulance directly led to Kamala’s death. The incident has reignited concerns over the quality and preparedness of emergency medical services in rural Odisha.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the matter, and officials have promised stricter oversight of private ambulance services operating in the region.
