By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Dec 20: Employees of the state-run 108 emergency ambulance service have expressed strong opposition to any move to hand over the service to new private companies, following reports suggesting that such a plan was under consideration by the government.
The Meghalaya Emergency Management Research Institute Workers Union (MEMRIWU), representing 108 service employees, said it would not accept the proposed move and reiterated its long-standing demand for the government to directly take over and manage the emergency service in the state.
In a statement issued by MEMRIWU president Roypar Kharraswai, the union warned that if the government proceeds unilaterally without proper consultation, it would be compelled to launch protest movements. The union said employees have endured prolonged hardship and uncertainty for several years.
According to the union, the 108 service was managed by a private company from 2008 to 2022, after which the government terminated the contract citing several irregularities and deficiencies. Since 2022, the service has been managed temporarily through the National Health Mission (NHM). The union pointed out that even now the arrangement remains temporary, with employees continuing without regular benefits or facilities.
MEMRIWU said it has repeatedly urged the government to regularise 108 employees so that they receive benefits such as Provident Fund, medical insurance, Employees’ State Insurance and leave, stating that the absence of such provisions has caused distress among workers.
The union also expressed disappointment over what it described as unfulfilled assurances by NHM authorities to release increments and arrears before Christmas, noting that no such payments had been made till date.
Referring to recent statements by the Health Minister that the 108 service is functioning smoothly, the union said the assessment does not reflect the working conditions of employees. It maintained that the service continues to function effectively because of the sustained efforts of workers over the years, despite the lack of benefits and job security, and emphasised that the service remains vital for providing emergency medical assistance to the public.
MEMRIWU has once again appealed to the government to either directly take over the management of the 108 service or regularise its employees without delay. The union has sought immediate intervention from the Health Minister and Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma to resolve the pending issues.
