India, Feb. 10 -- Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi today flagged off 250 new ambulances in the second phase of the state's emergency healthcare expansion programme at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar.

In the first phase, 150 ambulances were launched on December 23 last year. With the induction of the latest fleet, the government has invested around Rs 111 crore to strengthen emergency medical services.

At present, Odisha has 866 emergency ambulances operating across the state. In addition, 500 special ambulances are running under the Janani Express scheme to cater to pregnant women and sick children.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said the government's priority is to ensure that patients reach hospitals in the short...