BHUBANESWAR: In a significant move to modernize emergency healthcare access, the Odisha government is all set to integrate ambulance services into its homegrown ride-hailing mobile application, ‘Odisha Yatri’. Citizens will soon be able to book ambulances directly through the app, offering a faster, transparent, and more efficient way to seek emergency transport.
The Health and Family Welfare (H&FW) Department, in coordination with the State Transport Authority (STA) and Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT), is currently working out the modalities for onboarding ambulances on the ONDC-based digital platform. The initiative aims to bridge critical gaps in last-mile healthcare delivery, especially during emergencies.
“Once implemented, patients will be able to locate, book, and track ambulances in real time via the mobile app, eliminating intermediaries and reducing delays,” a senior health official said. The Odisha Yatri app, a direct-to-driver model, ensures that 100% of the fare goes directly to the vehicle owner, with no commission or middlemen involved.
This tech-enabled intervention follows the Odisha government’s decision to standardize and regulate private ambulance operations across the state. A campaign-mode registration drive is already underway to bring all private ambulances under a unified, licensed digital platform.
At a recent high-level meeting chaired by Usha Padhee, Principal Secretary of the Commerce and Transport Department, it was decided that the technical committee of STA, along with the Health Department, would soon finalize standard hire charges for ambulances. Awareness and enforcement camps are also being planned around key medical hubs including AIIMS-Bhubaneswar, SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, and Capital Hospital in Bhubaneswar.
To support seamless bookings, help desks will be established near major hospitals, offering prepaid ambulance services with predefined and standardised fare rates. This step aims to protect patients from exploitative pricing and ensure fair access.
To further strengthen the regulatory framework, Regional Transport Officers (RTOs) have been directed to verify No Objection Certificates (NOC) from health authorities and Motor Vehicle Inspectors (MVIs) before approving or renewing ambulance registrations. All ambulances will also be mandatorily integrated with Vehicle Location Tracking Systems (VLTS) to enable GPS-based real-time monitoring.
Ambulance operators adhering to the new safety, pricing, and operational standards will be incentivized with exemptions on statutory taxes and fees. The STA will soon issue detailed guidelines outlining the compliance protocols and benefits.
This integration of healthcare and mobility technology signals a transformative step in Odisha’s public service delivery, ensuring that no emergency is left waiting.
