Assam's Emergency Healthcare Crisis: 800 Ambulances Halted as Drivers Strike for Fair Wages and Job Security

The 108 Mrityunjoy ambulance service serves as a crucial component of Assam's emergency healthcare infrastructure.

Assam's emergency medical response system has ground to a halt as approximately 800 ambulances remain inoperative due to an ongoing indefinite strike by drivers.

Thousands of employees from the 108 Mrityunjoy ambulance service have initiated a statewide indefinite protest. Their demands include job regularization, fair compensation, equal pay for equal work, and settlement of outstanding overtime payments. The 108 Mrityunjoy ambulance service plays a vital role in Assam's emergency healthcare network.

According to the organization, nearly 3,000 staff members from various districts have assembled at the protest location in Guwahati's Chachal area, which has severely disrupted ambulance services throughout the state.

"Our demands are quite fundamental. We have dedicated our prime years to this service. Since 2008, we have been serving Assam's population through the 108 ambulance system. Our primary concern is job security in the upcoming tender process, where our continued employment remains uncertain," stated Pranjal Sarma, who leads the All Assam 108 Mrityunjoy Employee Association.

Sarma expressed frustration about extended working hours, including holidays, without adequate compensation. "We have worked through pandemics, natural disasters, calamities, and even life-threatening situations. We perform our duties during holidays such as Durga Puja and Eid. Therefore, we are demanding respectful and fair wages that reflect our contribution," he explained.

"Although we work for 12 hours, we only receive payment for 10. Our colleagues who work 9 hours are compensated for just 8. We receive no bonus entitlements. These are simple requests, yet they remain unaddressed. This protest will continue until we receive a solution. We will remain here until our demands are met," Sarma added.

Sayed Ashik Hussain, Joint Secretary of the Association, further emphasized the financial challenges faced by workers. "In today's economy, even basic food items and vegetables are expensive. When you compare that with our salary slips, the minimum wage is insufficient to support a family. We cannot provide proper education for our children," he noted.

"This issue has persisted for 17 years, but neither the government nor the department has proposed a solution. We have only 3-4 basic demands. We never intended to interrupt the service we've provided to the public for 17 years, but we find ourselves without options. We are here to assert our right to live with dignity," he further stated.

Government sources have indicated that strong measures have been taken against what they view as a deliberate attempt to disrupt emergency services, noting that over 100 protesting drivers have been suspended.

Sources claim that despite the ongoing protests, alternative arrangements have been implemented, and 500 of the 800 ambulances are now back in operation.