Kendrapara: A boat ambulance introduced to ferry patients of riverside areas in the district has been lying defunct for the past six months.
The Health department had unveiled the first-ever boat ambulance service in Kendrapara district at Batighar in March this year.
Sources in the said that the boat ambulance procured at an estimated cost of Rs 1 crore has failed to serve the people of the district due to technical glitches and depth of the rivers.
“The ambulance was introduced for around 30000 people residing under the Mahakalapada block. However the boat ambulance hardly functions and as a result of which we have to depend on the country made boats to rush patients,’ said a local villager.
The Health Department has also employed a driver, caretaker and a pharmacist for the smooth functioning of the service. The ambulance is also equipped with all equipment to deal with emergency service. The boat ambulance is functioning under the Mahakalapada Community Health Centre.
Also Read: Civil Supplies Officer Arrested In Odisha After Cash Worth Rs 1.91 Lakh Found
Ms Kalinga