Shillong, Jan 29: The employees of emergency service 108 under the umbrella of Meghalaya EMRI Workers Union (MEMRIWU) on Monday, has urged the health department to establish its own cell to oversee the 108 emergency services in Meghalaya.
They also requested the state government not to transfer the 108 ambulances to other departments or companies for running emergency services in the state.
MEMRIWU President Roipar Kharaswai, addressing the media, stated that since the departure of the previous company handling the 108 emergency services, the health department had been given three months to look for another to manage the services. However, as of now, NHM continues to operate the 108 emergency services.
Kharaswai emphasised that the 108 emergency services in Meghalaya should be under the control of the health department. He highlighted that for the past one and a half years, the emergency services have been entirely operated by the government, including financial responsibilities, without support from the central government.
Despite the state government initiating bids to hand over the services to private companies, Kharaswai pointed out a significant delay in the process, causing hardship for employees and impacting service delivery to the public.
Kharaswai alleged that the delay in transferring the 108 emergency services to a private company, coupled with the health department’s reluctance to take over the services, exploits employees who are deprived of benefits such as annual increments, allowances (housing, special, gratuity), job security, transfer options, promotion avenues, and leave rules.
MEMRIWU had previously met with Health Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh, Director of NHM Ram Kumar, and top officials of the health department to discuss their concerns.
While the meeting with the minister was deemed unsuccessful, another meeting is scheduled for February 6, 2024, to further discuss these issues.
