Health Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh on Monday assured that the government will protect the services of the the 108 workers.
Speaking to reporters, Lyngdoh said a delegation of the 108 workers union had submitted a list of suggestions and requests in the form of a memorandum to protect their services.
“And I have promise that I will send it across to the National Health Mission (NHM) who is currently preparing the tender documents. And the requests for proposals is something that’s just been set. The ball is going to start rolling,” Lyngdoh said.
According to her, there are workers who have worked for more than 15 years.
“They are a union we must take heed of what they are saying. What can be done I have told them will get done but what cannot be done also we will discuss and negotiate further with any company that wins the RFP (request for proposal) and we will see how we go forward,” she added.
The minister said the government is not a competent authority to run the 108 services. “To begin with, we don’t even have a mechanical wing in the department of health services in the state of Meghalaya.”
“Now, as is done in several other states, government distances itself from engaging in this kind of a business of serving someone through the 108 ambulances system,” she said while adding “We will work with all these bidders and we will definitely try to protect the services of these individuals.”
She further maintained that the government has no intention to take over the emergency services.
“We are not going to change the system. We cannot make it a government institution. We will continue with the practice that has been there in the state of Meghalaya for so many years with the hope that once we have a good company with good offers it will also include protection of workers rights,” the minister stated.