‘Em pty oxygen cylinder’ results in lady’s death in Jagatsinghpur ambulance; residents whip owner

RELEASED: 01 Sep 2025, 01:19 PM IST
LAST UPDATE: 01 Sep 2025, 01:19 PM IST

A heartbreaking case of carelessness was reported in Jagatsinghpur, Odisha, where a female apparently passed away in a personal ambulance after its oxygen cylinder was discovered empty. The occurrence happened in the early hours of Monday, around 3:00 AM.

The departed, Kamala Panda of Brahmanakhanda town under Jagatsinghpur police headquarters, had actually experienced chest discomfort. Her other half, Pitambar Panda, hurried her to Jagatsinghpur District Headquarters Hospital (DHH). Without any cardiologist or sophisticated centers offered, medical professionals referred her to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack.

Pitambar at first required a 108 federal government ambulance, however after hold-ups in its arrival, he set up a personal ambulance. Before boarding, he notified the motorist that medical professionals had actually advised oxygen assistance. The motorist ensured him the automobile was geared up with oxygen.

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Empty Oxygen Tank Results In Death

About 10 kilometers into the journey, Kamala’s condition got worse. When the motorist tried to supply oxygen assistance, he found that the cylinder was empty and there was no specialist on board. Kamala unfortunately passed away en path.

The occurrence set off extensive outrage. Residents vandalized the ambulance and briefly captured the motorist, who got away throughout the mayhem. Later on, the upset crowd attacked the ambulance service owner, Gajendra Panda, requiring him to get away the location.

Personal Ambulance Services Lure Patients

Residents declare that personal ambulance operators make use of clients, drawing them through intermediaries in spite of the existence of government-run services. Following current examination, lots of such operators have actually apparently moved their base far from health center facilities to prevent detection.

CDMO’s Response

The Chief District Medical Officer (CDMO) clarified that no direct action might be taken versus the service as it was independently run and not connected to the healthcare facility.

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Authorities have actually introduced a manhunt for the chauffeur and owner, while residents require strict policy of unlicensed personal ambulance services, alerting that such carelessness positions a serious danger to lives.