Involvement of private security agency in hiring medical staff draws flak
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, June 3: Hundreds of emergency calls in Meghalaya are being abandoned every month as the state’s 108 ambulance service buckles under manpower shortages, mismanagement, and a controversial move to involve a private security agency in hiring medical staff.
The Meghalaya EMRI Workers’ Union (MEWU) on Wednesday sounded an alarm over the deteriorating state of the emergency service, which they claim is failing the public. Addressing a press conference at the Shillong Press Club, MEWU secretary Refreshing Siangshai revealed that hundreds of emergency cases are currently going unserved—technically termed “de-assigned”—because there are simply not enough pilots (drivers) or ambulances available to respond.
The union has strongly opposed the involvement of Shishupal Security Agency in recruiting Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) and pilots. Siangshai questioned why a security firm, which lacks medical expertise, is being tasked with hiring healthcare personnel. He further alleged that workers hired through this agency are already facing delayed salary payments.
“The recruitment process must be transparent, involving public advertisements and open selection, rather than being handed off to a private security firm,” Siangshai said.
Beyond recruitment, the union highlighted a deepening administrative crisis. They have demanded the removal of the current programme manager, citing a failure to resolve operational issues that have persisted since the National Health Mission (NHM) took over the service.
Internal grievances are also mounting. The union reported significant salary anomalies where long-serving employees are reportedly earning less than new recruits. There are also calls for an immediate inquiry into unpaid compensation benefits and the lack of a backup communication line, which has led to frequent disruptions in emergency responses.
While the state government is currently conducting an assessment of the 108 service, the MEWU urged authorities to expedite the process to fill vacancies and establish new operational bases in underserved areas.
The union warned that if the government fails to address these staffing gaps and infrastructure deficiencies within a reasonable timeframe, they will be forced to launch a state-wide agitation.
