Pregnant Woman Carried on Cot in Odisha’s Nabarangpur as Ambulance Fails to Reach Village
Nabarangpur, November 3, 2025: In a stark reminder of rural infrastructure gaps, a nine-month pregnant woman from Siragudapada village in Nabarangpur district was carried on a cot for two kilometres after an ambulance failed to reach her due to a muddy, unpaved road.
Sridevi Gouda experienced labour pains on Sunday evening. Her family contacted the local ASHA worker, who promptly arranged for an ambulance. However, the vehicle got stuck en route, unable to navigate the slushy stretch between Kangamajhiguda and Shiraguda.
With no alternative, the family carried Sridevi manually to the ambulance, which then transported her to the district hospital. The delay posed serious risks to both mother and child.
Locals say the road has remained incomplete despite repeated appeals. According to district data, over 275 villages in Nabarangpur still lack proper road connectivity, severely impacting emergency services and healthcare access.
The incident has sparked outrage, with residents demanding immediate road construction and improved medical infrastructure. “No woman should have to endure this during childbirth,” said a local resident.
This case underscores the urgent need for rural development and accountability from local authorities. When ambulances can’t reach those in need, it’s not just a logistical failure—it’s a matter of life and dignity.
