In a rare yet heartening incident, a baby was safely delivered inside a 108 ambulance while being transported to hospital in Odisha’s Ganjam district on Thursday.
The incident occurred in the Sanakhemundi area when a pregnant woman from Gothakeli village, located on the Gajapati-Ganjam border, went into labour during the early hours of the morning.
Emergency response at 3 am
According to local sources, the 108 ambulance departed from Podamari around 3 am after receiving an emergency call. However, while en route to the hospital, the woman’s labour pain intensified.
Realising that immediate delivery was unavoidable, the ambulance staff halted the vehicle. The on-duty pharmacist, along with a colleague, assisted the woman in delivering the baby inside the ambulance.
Both mother and newborn were later transported safely to Dengausta Primary Health Centre for medical observation and post-delivery care.
Timely action praised
Officials said the quick thinking and professional response of the ambulance staff ensured the safety of both mother and child.
The 108 ambulance service plays a crucial role in providing emergency medical support, particularly in remote and rural areas where timely access to hospitals can be challenging.
Health authorities confirmed that both the mother and baby are stable and under medical supervision.