OMBADC Funded ‘Bike Ambulances’ Rev Up Healthcare in Mayurbhanj

• OMBADC Supported ‘Bike Ambulance’ Benefits Mayurbhanj Residents

• Bike Ambulance Overcomes Topographical Barriers

• Over 5000 Patients Served Since March 2021 to 2024

Mayurbhanj/Bhubaneswar, 22 July 2024: Hindered by challenging terrain, the interior and remote blocks of tribal majority Mayurbhanj district now receive crucial emergency healthcare via innovative ‘Bike Ambulances’. This unique initiative seeks to overcome geographical barriers, ensuring medical services reach to serve the most remote communities. It also heps save the golden hour in case of ferrying victims of trauma to the nearest medical facility.

Supported by the Odisha Mineral Bearing Areas Development Corporation (OMBADC) under the state government, Bike Ambulance service, launched in 2021, is currently active in Rairangpur, Jashipur, Kusumi, and Bijatla blocks. Each block has one ambulance dedicated to it which operates under the Zilla Swasthya Samiti, ensuring residents have access to emergency medical services. So far, Bike Ambulance have assisted over 5,000 patients, serving senior citizens, pregnant women, children & road accident victims till March 2024. This initiative bridges the gap where traditional ambulances struggle to operate.

“The Bike Ambulance played a vital role when my grandmother fell ill. It took us to the nearest health center, facilitated a doctor’s consultation and medication before bringing us back home. Living in an area marred by geographical barriers, regular ambulances struggle to reach us. Thus, the Bike Ambulance has been a real lifesaver,” says Saunru Marandi from Sanjharan village, Bijatala block.

Stationed at nearby Community Health Centers (CHCs) with designated drivers, the Bike Ambulances are facilitated by local ASHA workers in times of emergency. This initiative ensures residents have timely access to necessary medical care.

“4 Wheeler Ambulances often struggle to reach remote locations during emergency. But, the OMBADC supported ‘Bike Ambulance’ has been a blessing, allowing us to reach those in need swiftly and efficiently.  We are thankful to the government for this initiative,” says Meena Mahanto, an ASHA worker from Sanjharan village.

In addition to addressing emergency healthcare needs, the ‘Bike Ambulance’ service exists alongside Advanced Life Support (ALS) and Basic Life Support (BLS) ambulances in Mayurbhanj District. The ALS & BLS Ambulances ensure that critical patients receive timely transport between hospitals as required. These ambulances are equipped with advanced medical facilities for initial patient care.