Safe Ambulance Driving Initiative Launched In Odisha

Bhubaneswar: Ziqitza Health Care Limited, the operating agency for 108 and 102 ambulance services in Odisha, has started an initiative ‘Ama Surakhya Ama Hatare’ during the Road Safety Month.

The initiative aims at reducing the accidents involving ambulances and giving priority to safe driving. Ambulance drivers from peripheral areas of the city attended an event organised as part of the initiative while those from and across Odisha participated on virtual mode. They took oath for safe driving.

Speaking on the occasion, Sabyasachi Biswal, Odisha Head, Ziqitza Health Care Limited said, “As per different parameters of safe ambulance driving like accidental timing, response time etc, we are giving awards to drivers. For each parameter, they are provided points. For 12-hour accident-free driving, they can earn point and any deviation in this will eventually reduce their points. Driver with highest point will be rewarded with prize and certificate.”

Ziqitza Healthcare is operating 596 ambulances (108) and 500 ambulances (102) in all 30 districts. Through 108 ambulance, more than 32 lakh people have availed the services and 29 lakh pregnant women and children have used 102 ambulance services during the last 7 years. Similarly, six 108 boat ambulance services have been provided in cut-off areas of the state.