SHILLONG, JUN 12: The Meghalaya government is close to finalising its review of the 108-emergency ambulance service, but a decision on regularising staff is still hanging in balance due to financial implications, Health Minister Wailadmiki Shylla said on Friday.
Shylla told reporters that the study ordered to assess the service model and employee interests has reached its concluding phase.
“We are almost on the verge of completion. As I mentioned earlier, we sent it for study to ensure we protect the employees’ interests while finding a viable model,” he said.
Once the report is in, the government plans to sit down with the health department and 108 employees to chart the next course.
“Very soon we will hold discussions with the department and the 108 staff to take a call,” the Minister stated.
Staff have submitted multiple memorandums demanding regularisation. According to Shylla, the government has addressed most of their other grievances, but job regularisation remains unresolved.
“We’ve received their memorandums from time to time. About 50-60 percent of their concerns have been taken care of from the government’s end, except regularisation. That is the major issue where a decision is yet to be taken,” he noted.
The Minister said the government is weighing options that balance employee welfare with fiscal responsibility.
“We are trying to work out a way that doesn’t burden the state exchequer, while also keeping the employees’ interests intact,” Shylla added.
The uncertainty has also put expansion of the service on hold.
“The service is running and people are being attended to. But without a final decision, there’s no clarity on continuation. That’s why the government is holding back on expansion for now,” he said.
Shylla, however, assured that emergency operations have not been impacted.
“There is some impact, but it’s not major. As of now, the staff are on duty and services are being delivered to the public,” he said.
