Employees of 108 ambulance service protests wearing black badge for irregularity in salary disbursement

May 14: The GVK EMRI 108 Mrityunjoy Emergency Service has been playing a vital role in the government’s fight against coronavirus pandemic. Since the outbreak of the pandemic in 2020, 108 Mrityunjoy has catered to thousands of suspected or confirmed COVID-19 cases in Assam. They have also catered to the needs of the other non-Covid and maternity cases in the state. However, inspite of their relentless service, the employees of 108 Ambulance service alleged that they do not get their salaries regularly.

As a mark of protest, the 108 employees lodged a protest demonstration throughout the state by wearing black badges. While expressing their views, the leaders of All Assam 108 Employees Union alleged that they are not being paid their salaries before the 3rd week of every month. This has now become a regular phenomenon. Even during festivities like Durga Puja, Eid or Bihu, they suffer because of non-payment of their salaries. Saiful Islam, President of the Karimganj wing of the Union said, “Our salary is much less than the responsibilities we. undertake and that too is not available in time. So the financial crisis continues throughout the year.”

It needs mention here that Assam government has signed an agreement for this service with GVK Emergency Management & Research Institute (EMRI). As per the agreement, Assam govt is to pay their salary and other emoluments. The Union members of 108 ambulance stated that if government does not solve their salary issues then they will be bound to launch a vigorous movement.

It was on November 6, 2008, that the GVK-EMRI 108 Mrityunjoy services started its journey in Assam. The eventful service of 108 Mritunjoy was launched by the then Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi in presence of Himanta Biswa Sarma, under the aegis of NHRM. Since then, the service has passed 12 glorious years serving the people of Assam.

GVK-EMRI 108 Mrityunjoy service in 12 years of its operation, has attended 42,71,474 emergencies and has saved 1,73,670 lives in critical condition. The service started with 20 ambulances in Guwahati but gradually spread to all the districts of Assam. At present, it has 695 road ambulances all across Assam and 9 boat ambulances. It is a total free service in Assam where one can call 108 from a landline, mobile phone, local telephone booth without any prefix or suffix for any medical emergency.