Govt set to appoint new operator for 108 services

SHILLONG, April 25: The state government is set to float a tender to engage a permanent service provider for the 108 ambulance services in the state.
Health Secretary, Ramkumar S. said on Tuesday that once the model code of conduct is lifted, the department will call for a tender. The model code of conduct is in place in East Khasi Hills for the May 10 Sohiong assembly poll.
Since the launch of the service in 2008, GVK EMRI was operating the 108 ambulances in the state. Last year, the government served the closure notice to GVK EMRI.
According to Ramkumar, the ambulance service is being run by an ad hoc team as a temporary measure.
The government also intends to expand the services to more locations in the state, he said.
Earlier the Health Department had invited expressions of interest (EOIs) from eligible bidders for a tie-up with TCIL for the operation and management of the emergency response centre for ambulance services along with a 24-hour call and audit centre for the department.
TCIL or Telecommunications Consultants India Limited was appointed as the implementing agency by National Health Mission, Meghalaya, for selecting a backend partner ready to work exclusively on the project.
However, following complaints from the bidders, the government decided to part ways with TCIL. and float a fresh tender notice.