Shillong: The Meghalaya EMRI Workers’ Union has demanded the state government regularise the 108 Emergency Response Service. Union members formally urged Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma to reject any plans to re-tender the project to private firms, citing concerns over job security and public welfare.
Union president Roipar Kharaswai highlighted the workforce's opposition to shifting the service to private operators. Kharaswai said, “We strongly oppose any attempt to privatise or re-tender this critical emergency service. Instead, the government should focus on strengthening and regularising the existing system and workforce.”
The union argued that past private management led to maintenance delays and a lack of essential medical supplies. Since the service is funded by the state, workers believe direct government control is vital for transparency. They warned that they may begin protests if their concerns remain unaddressed.
Health Minister Wailadmiki Shylla confirmed that plans to expand the 108 ambulance network are currently on hold. He noted that the government is conducting a final assessment of staff grievances and has already resolved more than half of the issues raised. While officials seek to protect workers without creating new administrative burdens, regularisation remains a significant hurdle.
Shylla stated that while current emergency operations remain stable, no major decisions regarding the network's future will be made until a resolution is reached with the employees.
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