Shillong : Meghalaya Health Minister Wailadmiki Shylla on Friday said the government is in the final stages of reviewing the 108 emergency ambulance service and is expected to take a decision soon on its future, including issues concerning the welfare of employees.
Speaking to reporters, Shylla said the study commissioned by the government to examine the existing service model is almost complete and has been aimed at safeguarding the interests of employees while ensuring the smooth functioning of emergency healthcare services across the state.
“We are almost on the verge of completion. As I informed earlier, we had sent the matter for study on how we can safeguard the interests of the employees at the same time,” the Minister said.
He informed that once the study is completed, the government will hold discussions with officials of the Health Department as well as representatives of the 108 ambulance staff before taking a final decision.
“Very soon we will sit with the department along with the 108 staff to take any decision,” he stated.
On the repeated memorandums submitted by employees demanding regularisation of services, Shylla acknowledged that while several concerns raised by the workers have already been addressed, the issue of regularisation remains unresolved.
“We have received memorandums from time to time from them. From the government’s side, almost 50-60 percent of their concerns have been taken care of, except for the regularisation part. That is the major part where the government has not been able to take a decision yet,” he said.
According to the Minister, the delay is primarily due to the financial burden that regularisation could place on the state exchequer. He said the government is exploring options that would protect the interests of employees without creating an unsustainable fiscal burden.
“That is why we are trying to find ways where it will not burden the exchequer, while also protecting the interests of the employees,” Shylla added.
The Minister further admitted that uncertainty surrounding the future structure of the service has also affected plans for expansion. He said the government remains cautious about extending the service until a final decision is reached.
“The service is continuing. But until we have a final decision, there is no certainty on continuation. That is why the government is also in a hesitation mode regarding expansion, until and unless we are able to finalise a decision,” he said.
Despite the ongoing review process, Shylla assured that emergency ambulance services continue to function normally and are providing essential healthcare support to the public.
“There is an impact, but not that much. As of now, they are working and giving service to the people,” he said.