Shillong, Jun 12: The Meghalaya government is nearing completion of its assessment of the 108 emergency ambulance service, with a final decision on the future of its workforce expected after consultations with stakeholders, Health Minister Wailadmiki Shylla said today.
Speaking to reporters, Shylla said the review commissioned by the government to examine the functioning of the service and safeguard the interests of employees is in its final stages.
He said the study was initiated to identify a sustainable operational model while ensuring that the concerns of workers are adequately addressed. Once the report is submitted, the government will hold discussions with officials of the health department as well as representatives of the 108 ambulance staff before taking any decision.
Workers have repeatedly sought regularisation of their services through memoranda submitted to the government. While several of their concerns have already been addressed, Shylla said the issue of regularisation remains unresolved.
According to the minister, the government has managed to settle a significant portion of the demands raised by the employees, but a decision on regular appointments requires careful consideration because of the financial commitments involved.
He said the government is exploring options that would protect the interests of the workforce without placing excessive pressure on the state’s finances.
The pending decision has also affected plans to expand the ambulance network across the state. Shylla explained that until clarity emerges on the future structure of the service, the government is reluctant to move ahead with further expansion.
Despite the uncertainty, he assured that emergency healthcare services continue to operate normally.
