Odisha to Launch Toll-Free Call Centre for Dead Body Transportation

Bhubaneswar: Odisha government has announced plans to establish a dedicated call centre for dead body transportation, along with a special toll-free number akin to the ‘108’ ambulance service.

The decision was taken during a high-level meeting chaired by the Health Secretary, where officials held initial discussions on creating a streamlined and responsive system to transport bodies from hospitals to their final destinations. The initiative is expected to significantly ease the burden on grieving families by ensuring timely coordination and logistical support.

According to officials, the upcoming call centre will serve as a centralised coordination hub between hospital authorities and the deceased’s family members. The goal is to provide a convenient, cost-effective, and compassionate solution for transporting bodies, especially in cases involving government hospitals.

To guide implementation, the Health Secretary has instructed departments to compile data on district-wise mortality rates and assess the number of vehicles required to support the service across the state. Additionally, discussions are underway to determine a standardised per-kilometre rate for transportation services.

Once launched, the service is expected to bring uniformity and reliability to an area that often leaves families scrambling for private vehicles at short notice, particularly in rural or remote locations. The proposed model is also likely to include subsidised or free services for economically weaker sections, though specific details are yet to be finalised.