Shillong, Apr 8: The Meghalaya EMRI Workers Union has urged the state government to regularise the 108 emergency service and halt plans to re-tender the service to a private company.
In a memorandum submitted to Health Minister Wailadmiki Shylla, the union cited poor past performance under private management and the smooth functioning under the National Health Mission (NHM), which took over the running of the service in 2022 after GVK’s contract was not renewed following widespread worker protests.
GVK’s poor performance had affected emergency responses, especially in accident cases, the union stated, adding that issues included maintenance problems, inability to repair ambulances on time, cost cutting, lack of manpower and inadequate medical supplies.
In contrast, the service has been running smoothly under NHM, the workers claimed. The union further argued that, as the service is government-sponsored and essential, the state should take over management to prevent corruption and privatisation.
The union also objected to the government’s decision to award a sub-tender to Shishupal Agency for recruitment, demanding direct recruitment by the government instead to ensure equal opportunities for qualified citizens.
