Female drivers will be recruited for the Thalli Bidda Express vehicles, said Minister for Health, Medical and Family Welfare Satya Kumar Yadav while flagging off the new fleet of 300 modernised vehicles at Area Hospital in Narasaraopeta on Tuesday.

The Minister, along with Palnadu District Collector Kritika Shukla and Narasaraopeta MLA Chadalavada Aravind Babu, also launched other facilities at the hospital, including dialysis units, physiotherapy labs, labour rooms and an RO plant.

Speaking on the occasion, the Minister pointed out that the new vehicles were fitted with six airbags, GPS tracking and also an SOS button, foot rest, reverse parking sensors, child lock, sliding doors, hand rails for the comfort of the mothers and pregnant women.

The vehicles also have temperature-controlled air conditioning suitable for newborn babies. During the journey, the vehicle’s audio system will continuously play government guidance on breastfeeding, newborn care, nutrition, vaccinations and postnatal care, the Minister said.

Health Commissioner K.V.N. Chakradhar Babu, who also participated in the programme, said the Health department would strive to ensure zero maternal deaths in Palnadu district. The department would also take steps to prevent teenage pregnancies, he said, adding that in the event of such a case getting reported, the department would ensure proper safety of the girl during delivery.

Municipal authorities, Area Hospital Superintendent Satish Babu, and district-level BJP and Jana Sena Party (JSP) leaders took part in the inauguration programme.

The vehicles offer free drop-back services for women who have delivered at government hospitals and also transports high-risk women to the nearest government facility to ensure faster treatment. Persons in need can dial 102.

Published - August 11, 2026 07:05 pm IST